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" Waving his bare blade in a circle between her and the rest, 

^Yho dared not advance."’ 


T H E 



BY 



JAMES GEAAT, ESQ. 

I \ 

(Late G2d ReCiment), 

V 

AUTHOR OF “JACK MANLEY.” “DICK RODNEY,” “ 01 IVER ELLIS, 
“HIGHLANDERS OF GLEN ORA,” ETC. 


WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. 



BOSTON: 

CROSBY AND AINSWORTH, 

117 WASHINGTON STREET. 

NEW YOHK: OLIVEE S. FELT. 

1 8 G 5 . 


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CONTENTS 


-•o 


PAGE 

COLIN AND OINA 7 

THE CATBRANS 12 

THE ALARM 19 

• 

THE HOLY STEEL 22 

THE RED MACGREGOR 33 

THE PURSUIT 41 

HAND TO HAND 49 

THE BATTLE OF GLENFRUIN 60 

THE DEVASTATION OF KIPPEN 65 

THE DUEL 73 

ROB GOES TO ENGLAND 76 

THE GYPSIES 81 


4 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

INVERSNAID PILLAGED ' . . . . 87 

ROB AND THE DUKE 01 

DESOLATION. . 101 

ROB TAKES THE TOWER' OF CARDEN 108 

THE JACOBITE BOND 114 

THE DESPATCHES CAPTURED 120 

ABERUCHAIL 125 

ROB ROY RETREATS 133 

JOINS KING JAMES 137 

INVERSNAID GARRISONED 145 

THE SNARE .* 152 

WILL HE ESCAPE 161 

LITTLE RONALD 170 

PAUL CRUBACH 176 

THE HOUSE OF INVOCATION .....' 182 ' 

ROB ROY’S CAVE . ' 188 

THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID l!)l 

THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE ....'. 205 

» 

ROB SEIZES THE RENTS OF 3IONTROSE 210 


/ 


CONTENTS. 5 

PAGE 

KILLEARN CARIITED OFF 224 

KILLEARN’S FATE 228 

GREUMOCH TAKEN 223 

ROB’S NARROW ESCAPE 238 

A WEIRD STORY 240 

THE HAUNTED WELL . . . 254 

ROB ROY TAKEN 257 

THE FORDS OF FREW 262 

SEAFORTH’S MESSENGER . . 268 

ROB’S MARCH TO GLENSHEIL 274 

t 

A STRANGE MEETING 279 

MAJOR HUSKE’S REVENGE. . • 283 

THE BATTLE OF GLENSHEIL 287 

THE KNIGHT OF MALTA 293 

El LAN DON AN . . . 300 

THE HARPER’S RANSOM 306 

MORRAR NA SHEAN, OR THE LORD OP THE VENISON . . 314 
GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA SHEAN 326 


THE RUINED HOUSE IN GLENSTRAE 


339 


6 


CONTENTS, 


PACE 

HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA 345 

INVERNENTIE PUNISHED .... . 355 

ATTACKED BY THE DUKE OF ATHOLE 360 

THE FINAL ATTEMPT OF ATHOLE 367 

ROB ROY IN LONDON 373 


THE DUELS WITH INVERNAHYLE AND ARDSHEIL . . . 376 


THE CLOSING SCENE 


382 


ADVEOTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER I. 

COLIN AND OINA. 

The sun of a September evening — we need not 
say in what year — was shining down a wild and 
lonely glen, a few miles eastward from the head of 
Loch Lomond, where a boy and a girl sat on the 
slope of the green hill-side, watching a herd of 
fifteen red-eyed, small, and shaggy black cattle, 
with curly fronts and long, sharp horns, tha.t were 
browsing mid-leg deep amid the long-leaved fern. 
The place was one of stern and solemn grandeur. 

Leaping from ledge to ledge, and foaming be- 
tween the gray and time-worn rocks, a mountain 
torrent, red and fierce, swept down the steep slope 
of the narrow glen, now disappearing in deep cor- 
ries, that were covered by dwarf birch, hazel, and 
alder trees, and elsewhere emerging in mist and 
spray, white as the thistle’s beard, till it reached 
the lake which reposed under the shadows of the 
vast Ben Lomond, whose summits were hidden in 
gray mist. 


8 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Ben Lawers, which towers above the source of 
the Taj; and Ben More, that looks down on the 
Dochart with its floating isle, are there ; but the 
king of these is Ben Lomond, a name which means, 
in English, ^^the hill of the lake full of-isles,’^ for 
four-and-twenty stud the loch below ; and the bare 
scalp of that mighty mountain rises to the height 
of three thousand and three hundred feet above 
the water. There the wild winds, that came in 
sudden gusts down the glens, furrowed up the 
bosom of the loch, causing its waters to ripple on 
the silent shore, and on its verdant isles, with a 
weird and solemn sound. 

But here, where our story opens, the shrill note 
of the curlew, as he suddenly sprang aloft from the 
thick, soft heather, made one start ; while the rush 
of the many white water-courses that poured over 
the whinstone rocks, and woke the silence, was 
sharp and hissing. The setting sun shed a flood 
of purple light along the steep-sided glen, making 
the heather seem absolutely crimson. 

The boy and girl, Colin Bane, the son of a widow, 
and Oina MacAleister, belonged to the clachan, or 
village, — the smoking chimneys of which alone in- 
dicated its locality, — about three miles off ; for the 
walls of the little cottages so closely resembled the 
gray rocks of the glen, and their roofs, thatched 
with heather, blended so nearly with the mountain- 
side, that, except for the forty little columns of 
white vapor that ascended into the clear evening 
sky, there was nothing else to indicate a human 
habitation. 


COLIN AND OINA. 


9 


Neither of these young people was above twelve 
years old ; but the boy was tall,, lithe, and manly 
for his age. His dark gray eyes were keen and 
sharp as those of the wiry otter terrier that sat 
beside him ; and his bare legs, which his tattered 
kilt revealed from the knee, showed that he was 
handsome as well as strong, — so strong, that he 
Avas already entitled to wear a man’s bonnet, as a 
proof that he could lift and fling the stone of 
strength,” — the test of manhood, which lay beside 
the door of Rob Roy’s house, as beside that of 
every Higliland chieftain, to test the muscle of his 
growing followers ; for, previous to being able to 
poise and hurl the Clachneart, a boy, wore his hair 
simply tied with a thong. 

A jacket of deerskin, fastened by wooden but- 
tons and loops of thong ; a pouch or sporan com- 
posed of a polecat’s skin, Avith its face for a flap ; 
and a skene dhu (or black knife) stuck in a Avaist- 
belt, completed the attire of Colin. 

His pretty companion, who sat Avith her little 
bare feet paddling in a pool of water that gurgled 
from a rock, was enveloped in a short plaid of 
red tartan, fastened under her chin by a little sil- 
ver brooch, and her thick broAvn hair, which she 
had Avreathed Avith blue bells and golden broom, 
fell* in masses on her shoulders. 

But the faces of this boy and girl were thouglit- 
ful, keen, and anxious in expression ; for they Avero 
children of a long-oppressed, outlawed, and broken 
tribe, the MacGregors, or Clan Alpine. Still, as 
they tended the cattle, they sang merrily ; for. 


10 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


when reaping in the fields, or rowing on the lochs, 
casting the shuttle at the loom, or marching in the 
ranks to battle, in those days the Scottish High- 
lander always sang. 

Ever and anon the boy and girl would pause and 
utter a joyous shout, when a large, brown salmon 
leaped amid a shower of diamonds from the rough 
stream that tore through the glen ; or when a 
sharp-nosed fox, a shaggy otter, or a red polecat 
came stealthily out of the gorse and whins to drink 
of it ; for as yet they had no other visitors, and saw 
not those who were secretly approaching. 

Colin, who had started up to cast a stone at a 
wild swan, and pursue it a little way, returned 
breathless ; but, nevertheless, producing a chanter 
of hard, black wood, mounted with ivory rings, 
from his girdle, in which it had been stuck, he 
said, “ Come, Oina, — Mianna Bhaird a thuair aois,. 
— sing, and I shall play.’’ 

“ It is a song of many verses, and is too long,” 
replied the girl. 

“Long! There are only two-and-thirty verses, 
and mother says that old Paul Crubach can remem- 
ber as many more.” 

Colin conimenced the air at once upon his chan- 
ter, and without further hesitation the girl began 
one of the bid songs which are half sung and half 
recited, in a manner peculiar to the Highlands. 

I have no intention of afflicting my readers with 
all the said song in Gaelic ; but it ran somewhat in 
this fashion (a friend has translated it for me), and 


COLIN AND OINA. 


11 


the girly as she sang sweetly, splashed the spark- 
ling water with her tiny feet : — • 

Lay us gently by the stream 

That wanders through our grassy meads ; 

And thou, O sun ! with kindly beam, 

Light up the bower that o’er us spreads. 

Here softly on the^ grass we’ll sit, 

Where flowerets bloom and breezes sigh ; 

Our feet laved in the gentle tide 
That, slowly gliding, murmurs by. 

Let roses bright and primrose fair 
With sweet perfume and lovely hues. 

Around us woo the ambient air. 

And breathe upon the failing dews. 

Intent npon themselves and their simple occupa- 
tion, and singing thus in the fulness of their young 
hearts to the objects of nature, the boy and girl 
saw not those who were coming up the glen, 
creeping on their hands and feet, with keen eyes 
and open ears. 

Place by my hand (with harp and shell). 

So long our solace and our pride, 

The shield that often rolled the swell 
Of battle from our father’s side ! 

Let Ossian blind and tuneful Dali 

Strike from their harps a solemn sound, ^ 

And open wide their airy hall — 

No bard will here, at eve, be found ! 

So closed the song; and at that moment a cry 
burst from Oina, while Colin sprang up with a 


12 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


hand on his knife, for suddenly there arose out of 
the long tossing leaves of the braken, or fern, the 
dark whins and matted gorse, amid which the cat- 
tle grazed, about twenty well-armed and fierce- 
looking Highlanders, whose tattered attire, green 
tartans, and wild bearing, all proclaimed them to 
be strangers and foes, who had come intent on 
spoil and hostility. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE CATERANS. 

With her eyes dilated by terror, and her usually 
ruddy cheeks blanched and pale, the girl clung to 
her companion, who stood resolutely between her 
and those who had come so suddenly upon them. 
Barking furiously, the otter terrier erected his 
shaggy back, and also shrunk close to the side of 
Colin. 

These unwelcome visitors were all armed with 
basket-hilted swords, dirks, and pistols. He who 
seemed the leader bore a long tuagh, or Lochaber 
axe, the head of which is adapted for the triple 
purpose of cutting, thrusting, or hooking an enemy. 
They all wore waistcoats and hose of untanned 
deerskin, rough, shaggy, and tied with thongs. 

Their kilts and plaids were of tattered green 
tartan, and all wore woollen shirts of dark-red 
dyes. Only a few had bonnets-; but in these they 


THE CATERANS. 


13 


wore a tuft of deer-grass, the badge of the Mac- 
Kenzies. This, however, did not deceive the boy 
or girl, who knew them to be MacRaes, who fol- 
lowed the banner of Lord Seaforth. 

The leader, a giant in stature, but fleet of foot 
and active as a roebuck, was a dark-visaged and 
savage-looking man, with eyebrows that met over 
his nose, and were shaggy as the moustache that 
curled round his fierce mouth, to mingle with his 
beard. His belted plaid was fastened by an antique 
silver brooch covered with twisted snakes, and 
silver tassels adorned his sporan, which was of 
otter-skin covered with white spots; and hence 
such skins are said, in Scotland, to belong to the 
king of the otters. 

^^Keep your cur quiet, boy,’’ said this formi- 
dable-looking fellow, “ or I must put a bullet into 
him. Go on with your song, my girl, and don’t 
be alarmed ; we shall not harm you.” 

He is Duncan nan Creagh ! ” said Colin. 

And our cattle will be taken,” sobbed Gina. 

Indeed, whilfe the boy and girl spokfe their fears 
in whispers, the giUies, or followers of Duncan of 
the Forays, as he was named, ran round the cattle 
in a circle, driving them together, by hallooing and 
striking them with cudgels or the flat sides of their 
claymores — occasionally using the point, to spur 
on the more lazy or refractory. Undaunted by the 
number of the caterans, Colin began to shout shrilly 
and wildly foi' succor ; but aid was far off, and the 
echoes of the rock alone replied. 

Silence ! ” exclaimed Duncan MacRae, fiercely. 


14 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


or I shall fling you into the pool, -with a big stone 
at your neck ! ” 

The boy bravely brandished his skene, and dip- 
ping his bonnet in the rivulet, as a defence for his 
left hand, said, — 

Beware, you false cateran ; these cattle are 
from the lands of Finlarig; and* Finlarig belongs 
to Breadalbane.” 

The tall cateran grinned, and replied, — 

^‘Ay; but the beasties belong to the MacCreg- 
ors ” 

^^From whom all men may take their prey,” 
added another. 

“ True, MacAulay, and were they Breadalbane’s 
own, every hoof and horn should be mine, even 
though he were here, with all the Clan Diarmed of 
the Boar at his back. Hear you that, my little 
man ? But the Griogarich — wheeugh ! ” 

And the tall cateran snapped his fingers with 
contempt and grinned savagely, as he made a 
whistling sound. 

This action, and the slighting manner in which 
his clan was spoken of, made Colin tremble with 
rage. His ruddy cheek grew pale with emotion, 
and his eyes flashed with light. 

In pursuing a sturdy little bullock, one of the 
MacRaes dropped a pistol. Quick as lightning, 
young Colin sprang forward, possessed himself of 
it, and fired full at the head of Duncan nan Creagh! 
The latter reeled, for the ball had pierced his bon- 
net, and grazed the scalp of his head, causing the 
blood to trickle over his sombre visage. Then, 


THE CATERANS. 


15 


before he could recover himselfj the fearless boy 
hurled the empty pistol, which was one of the 
heavy steel tacks still worn with the Highland 
dress, at the cateran’s head, which it narrowly 
missed. 

Oina and he now turned to seek safety in flight ; 
but the MacRae caught him by the hook of his 
long pole-axe, and fearing further violence, the 
brave Colin clung to his right arm with flerce 
energy. Duncan tried to shake him off; but in 
vain. At last, he flercely hit the hand of the poor 
boy, who relinquished his hold with a scream of 
pain.* 

At that moment the savage fellow exclaimed, — 
Wasp of a MacG-regor, that will take the sting 
out of you,” and cut down Colin, by a single stroke* 
of his ponderous axe, severing his right (some say 
his left) arm from his body. 

Without a moan, Colin fell on the heather in a 
pool of blood. 

Quick, lads, quick ! ” exclaimed the remorseless 
Duncan; “drive on the prey; the MacGregors will 
soon scent the blood and be on our track.” 

At some distance from the bleeding and dying 
boy, Oina sank upon the ground, screaming wildly, 
and covering her face with her hands and hair. 

“What shall we do with the girl?” said one; 
“ she will soon reach and rouse all the clachan.” 

“ Take her with us,” suggested another. 

“ Oich — oich ! that would be kidnapping.” 

“ But she is only a MacGregor’s daughter,” said 
a third. 


16 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


And you shall soon be tracked by one Mac- 
Gregor, who will revenge us/’ exclaimed the girl, 
whom excess of terror now endued with courage. 

Oich ! and who may he be ? ” asked Duncan 
nan Creagh, mockingly. 

Dob Roy of Inversnaid.” 

‘^The Red MacGregor — is that all?” 

All ! Conn Ceud Catha was a boy -when Com- 
pared to him, as you shall soon find, false thief of 
a MacRae.” 

A swim in the linn will be good for one of your 
temper,” said the tall Cateran, as he took up the 
girl, and regardless of her shrieks, rushing to 
where the torrent that flowed towards Loch Lo- 
mond poured over a brow of rock forming a cascade 
that plunged into a deep pool below, he tossed her 
in, without ruth or pity. 

In falling, Oina caught the stem of a tough 
willow, and clung to it with all the tenacity a 
deadly fear could inspire. The rush of the foaming 
torrent was in her tingling ears, and its snowy 
spray covered her face, her dress, and floating hair, 
as she swung over it. She closed her eyes and 
dared not look; but her lips prayed for mercy in 
an inaudible manner, for the power of speech had 
left her. And now, with her weight, the willow 
bent so low that at la^t her feet and ankles dipped 
in the rushing water ; while with a pitiless frown, 
the wild MacRae — for so this tribe was named, 
from their fierce, lawless, and predatory habits — 
surveyed her from the bank above. Then saying, 

Oich — oich, but the Griogarich are folk that are 


THE CATERANS. 


17 


hard to kill/’ by a slash of his long axe he severed 
the willow, and, with a faint shriek, Oina vanished 
into the cascade that foamed beneath ! 

Duncan nan Creagh then hastened to overtake 
his gillies, who by this time had driven the cattle 
across the stream, which they forded in the old 
Scottish fashion, with their swords in their teeth, 
and grasping each other’s hands to stem the cur- 
rent, which, otherwise, must have swept them away 
singly, as it came up to their armpits. 

They then Avrung the water from their plaids, 
and driving the cattle at full speed by point and 
flat of sword, hurried up a gloomy and lonely 
ravine, and soon disappeared, where the sombre 
evening shadows were deepening over the vast 
mountain solitude. 

Well did they know that the vengeful Mac- 
G-regors, whom some aver to be the Children of 
the Mist, would soon be on their track, following 
them with blade and bullet, hound and horn. 

The poor boy soon expired, but the girl was not 
destined to perish. She was swept by the torrent 
round an angle of the rocks, toAA^ards a pool, where 
a young man was Ashing. 

He saw her body Avhirling in the flood, and with- 
out a moment of hesitation, cast aside his bonnet 
and plaid, his rod and dirk, and plunging in, soon 
caught her in his arms. 

Being poAverfully athletic, he stemmed the fierce, 
brown torrent, which ran like a flooded mill-race, 
bearing along with it stones, clay, and dwarf trees, 
the spoil of the hills that look down on Loch' Do- 


2 


18 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


chart; and, after a severe struggle, he reached the 
bank and laid the girl on the grass. 

“ Oina ! he exclaimed, with deep commiseration, 
on removing the masses of wet brown hair from 
her pallid face, for he recognized her to be the 
child of his own foster-brother. 

She was pale, cold, severely bruised by being 
tossed from rock to rock, and lay there, to all ap- 
pearance, dead. He placed a hand on her heart ; 
he opened and patted her clenched fingers; he 
placed his warm ruddy cheek to her cold face, and 
his ear to her mouth, to ascertain whether or not 
she breathed. 

Then taking her up in his arms, as if she had 
been an infant, he wrapped his plaid around her,^ 
and with rapid strides hastened towards the smoke, 
which curled grayly against the now darkened sky, 
and indicated where the clachan or village stood. 

This man was Robert MacGregor of Inversnaid 
and Craigrostan, otherwise known as Rob Roy, or 
the Bed, from the color of his hair, and who, by 
the proscription of his entire clan, had been com- 
pelled, by law, to add the name of Campbell to his 
own, for reasons which will afterwards be given to 
the reader. 


THE ALARM. 


19 


CHAPTER III. 

THE ALARM. 

He soon reached Inversnaid, which lay about 
three miles distant. 

At first he walked but slowly, comparatively 
speaking, as he believed the girl to be quite dead; 
but the motion of her limbs, as he proceeded, hav- 
ing caused the blood to circulate, he perceived 
with joy that she still lived, and then he increased 
his pace to a run, which soon brought him to the 
cottage of her father, Callam MacAleister (i. e., the 
son of the arrowmaker), to whose care he consigned 
her ; and the bed of the little sufferer was rapidly 
surrounded by all the commiserating gossips and 
wise women of the clachan. 

No doctors were required by the hardy men of 
these secluded districts. Their wives and daugh- 
ters knew well how to salve a sore ; to bind up a 
slash from an axe or sword ; to place lint on a bul- 
let-hole, or on a stab from a dirk ; while valerian, 
aU-heal, liverwort, and wild carrot, bruised in a 
quaichful of whiskey, formed the entire materia 
medica of the matron of a family. So men lived 
till patriarchal years, strong, active, and fearless as 
mountain-bulls; for sickness was unknown among 
them. 


20 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


■ Of these female family physicians, Rob’s wife, 
the Lady of Inversnaid, was the queen in her time 
and locality. 

Inversnaid is a small hamlet on the estate of the. 
same name which formed the patrimony of Rob 
Roy. It lies two miles eastward from Loch Lo- 
mond, on the bank of a small stream, which falls into 
the great sheet of water, from a lesser, named 
Loch Arldet, a place of gloomy aspect. 

Northward, on the side of the latter, is a deep 
and wild cavern, which sheltered Robert Bruce 
after the battle of Dalree, in Strathfillan ; and on 
more than one occasion, in time of peril, it became 
a place of concealment for our hero. 

As MacGregor approached his own house — a 
large and square two-storied mansion, the walls of 
which were rough-cast with white lime, and which, 
though thatched with heather, had an air of comfort 
and consequence in that locality — a wild cry, that 
pierced the still air of the evening, made him pause 
and turn round with his right hand on the hilt of 
his dirk. 

Alarmed by the protracted absence of the boy, 
Fairhaired Colin, his widowed mother had sought 
the glen where the foray had been. Tlie last red 
gleam of the sunset had faded upward from the 
summit of Ben Lomond, and the dark woods and 
deep glens about its base were buried in all the 
obscurity of night, till the moon arose; and then 
the mountain-stream, and the pools, amid the moss 
and heather,^ glittered in its silver sheen. 

The cattle had disappeared as well as their young 


THE ALARM. 


21 


watchers, and the heart of the widow became filled 
with vague alarm. 

Now a mournful cry came at times upon the wind 
of the valley, and made her blood curdle. Was it 
the voice of a spirit of the air, or of a water-cow, 
that had come down the stream from the loch? 
Again and again it fell upon her ear, till at last she 
recognized it to be the howling of her son’s com- 
panion and favorite, the little otter terrier; and she 
rushed forward to discover the dog, which was 
concealed by some tufts of broom. 

The sweet perfume of the: bog-myrtle was filling 
the atmosphere as the dew fell on its leaves ; and 
now, deep down in the glen, where the soil had 
never been stirred, where the heather grew thick 
and soft, and where the yellow broom shed its 
tassels on the lea,” the poor woman found her son, 
her only child, lying dead, and covered with blood. 

His right hand still grasped his skene dhu, and 
near him lay the chanter, to the notes of which 
Oina had sung, and a black, ravenous glede soared 
away from the spot as she approached. 

At first, his white and ghastly face, his fixed and 
glazed eyes, struck terror on the mother’s soul, and 
she shrunk back — shrunk from the babe she had 
borne, the child she had nursed ; then she cast her- 
self in wild despair beside the body — -in such 
despair as had never filled her heart since the Gra- 
hames of Montrose had hanged her husband, laii 
Bane, on the old yew-tree of Kincardine, for the 
crime of being a — MacGregor. 

Then , endued by frenzy with superhuman strength , 


22 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


she snatched up the dead boy, and bore him in her 
arms, sending shriek after shriek before her, as she 
rushed through the glen and across the moorland, 
towards the clachan of Inversnaid. 

It was her cry that Rob Roy heard, as he paused 
at his own threshold, and turning away, he hastened 
to meet her, just as she sank at the door of her 
cottage. 

The whole population of the clachan was speedily 
alarmed, and the wailing of the women mingled 
with the deep-muttered vengeance of the men, as 
they began to arm, and looked to Rob Roy for 
orders and instructions. 


4 

CHAPTER lY. 

THE HOLY STEEL. 

The inhabitants of the little hamlet were soon 
assembled . in and around the hut of the widow of 
Ian Bane. 

The latter had been a brave man, sacrificed in 
their feud with the Grahames, after the battle of 
Killy crankie, where he had served under Yiscount 
Dundee. He was long remembered on the Braes 
of Balquhidder, as an expert swordsman, a hardy 
deer-stalker, and a careful drover of cattle for the 
English and Lowland markets, vrhere he had been 
wont to march after his herds, with his sword at 
his side, and a target slung on his back, as was then 


THE HOLY STEEL. 


23 


the custom of the Highlanders to go to fair and 
market. 

A few lines will describe the residence of his 
widow. 

It was a somewhat spacious hovel, built without 
mprtar, of turf and stone, taken from the river’s 
bed, or from the adjacent moorland. It had a little 
window on each side, and these were wont to be 
opened alternately, according to the part from 
which the wind blew, to give light and air, opened 
by simply taking out the loisp of fern which was 
stuffed into the aperture in lieu of glass and shut- 
ters. 

A fire of turf and bog-fir blazed on the centre of 
the clay floor ; and here, in this poor dwelling, the 
widow lived, amid smoke sufficient to suffocate her 
(had she not been used to it from her infancy), 
together with her slaughtered boy, her Fairhaired 
Colin, and a brood of hens, whose roost was among 
the rafters ; a cow, two large dogs, and a sheep or 
so in winter, though sheep were little cared for in 
the Highlands, then. 

A few deer hams, and quantities of fishing-gear, 
hung from the rafters, amid which the smoke curled 
towards an old herring cask, that was inserted in 
the thatched roof to form a chimney. 

Fresh fir-cohes and bogwood were cast upon the 
fire by order of * Rob Roy ; and now the ruddy blaze 
lit up a wild and striking scene. Near the centre 
of the hut, on a rudely-formed deal table, lay the 
dead body of poor Colin Bane MacGregor, the 
golden hair from whence he took his sobriquet all 


24 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


matted with purple blood ; but a white sheet was 
spread over the mangled form, which lay stiff and 
at full length in rigid angularity, with a platter of 
salt upon its breast, and sprigs of rosemary strewed 
crosswise over it. 

At the feet of the dead, on her knees, knelt the 
sorrowing mother, with her grizzled hair dishevelled 
and her face buried in her tremulous fingers, through 
which the tears were streaming, as she rocked her 
body to and fro. 

Fully armed, three Highlanders, of formidable 
aspect and stately bearing, stood at the head of the 
corpse. These were E-ob Roy, Callam MacAleister 
(his foster-brother and henchman), with Greumoch 
MacGregor, one of his most active and resolute 
followers. Each leant upon a brass-mounted and 
long-barrelled Spanish musket. 

Grouped round were a band of hardy and weather- 
beaten men, in rough Highland dresses of home- 
spun and home-dyed tartan, all hushed into silence, 
with their keen gray eyes bent darkly on the corpse, 
or on each other, and with their brows knit, as their 
hearts glowed for vengeance on the unknown per- 
petrator of this outrage ; for as yet no information 
could be gathered from the half-drowned Oina. 

Outside the door were the women of the clachan 
with their heads mufiled in plaids, kerchiefs, and 
curchies, wailing as only the Celts t>f Scotland and 
Ireland wail, in a weird, wild cadence, muttering 
vengeance too, and suggesting to each other who 
might be the author of this new item to the terrible 
catalogue of wrongs that had been perpetrated on 


THE HOLY STEEL. 


25 


the MacGregors since the battle of Glenfruin had 
been fought, about a hundred years before. 

And all this was seen by the red light of the 
bogwood fire, in the wavering gleams of which, as 
they played upon the winding-sheet, the corpse 
seemed always as if about to start and arise. 

Ochon, ochon, ochrie ! wailed the mother of 
Colin, as she swayed herself to and fro ; ‘^the drops 
of the blessed dew that God sends on earth are 
resting on the cold cheek of my fair son this night; 
and they are not more pure than he was ; but I 
knew he was doomed never to see the leaves of 
autumn fall ! 

‘‘ How ? asked several, bending forward to listen. 

“ He drew the black-lot, when the cake was 
broken in Greumoch’s bonnet, on Beltane eve.^^ 

Never say so, widow,’^ said MacGregor; think 
only that the lad died as became his father’s son, 
boldly defending his own ; God rest him ! ” 

Here all bowed their heads, and many made the 
sign of the cross. 

slash wuth an axe has slain him,” resumed 
Kob Boy; “a sword would never cut so deep; but 
the brave boy has defended himself, for his skene 
is yet grasped in his better hand, so let it go to the 
grave with him.” 

Mutterings of grim approval went through the 
group. 

To you. Bed Bob, I look for vengeance, — for 
vengeance on the murderers ! ” cried the mother, 
wildly, as she stretched her hands towards the' 
chieftain. 


26 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


^^And vengeance you shall have, Jean; by the 
faith of our fathers, you shall ! ” replied Kob Boy. 

I have little doubt that the same hand which slew 
Fair Colin, cast Callam's daughter into the river ; 
but time will show.’^ 

We have the cattle to recover too,’^ said sev- 
eral ; “ let us to the hills — to the hills 1 The creagh 
(spoil) cannot be far off-yet.’^ 

What ! are the cattle carried off? asked Bob, 
with a darkening frown. 

“ The cattle I bought at Fil-ma-chessaig, — that 
blessed 21st of March, at the fair of Callender, — 
ay, every hoof and horn,’’ said Creumoch. 

^‘Well, the blackest mail we ever levied will I 
lay on these caterans, and the reddest blood we 
have shed shall be theirs, Jean ! But there are 
other wounds here,” continued Bob, as he turned 
down the winding-sheet ; look at the poor child’s 
hand: it has been 

^‘Bitten as if by a wolf I” screamed the mother, 
with growing horror. 

Nay, bitten by a man who has lost every 
alternate iooth in his lower jaw, and by that mark 
we shall know him ! ” 

“ Where ? among the Buchanans or Colquhouns?” 
demanded several, while the excitement grew 
apace. 

“ Among neither,” exclaimed a harsh and croak- 
ing voice. 

Why — why ? ” asked the crowd. 

“ For ’tis Duncan nan Creagh who did this; Dun- 
can Mhor, from Kintail na Bogh.” 


THE HOLY STEEL. 


27 


“Who spoke said Kob Roy, peering through 
the smoke which obscured the atmosphere of the 
hut. 

“ I, Phail Crubach/^ replied a decrepit old man, 
for whom all now made way, with a strangely min- 
gled bearing of respect and aversion ; for this vis- 
itor was supposed to have the double gift of proph- 
ecy and second sight. 

Phail Crubach, or lame Paul MacGregor, was the 
keeper of a Holy Well near the church of Balqu- 
hidder. He had been educated in youth at the 
Scottish College of Houay; but on becoming partly 
insane, he returned to his native place and became 
the custodian of a spring which St. Fillan had 
blessed in the times of old. Near this well he 
lived in a hut, which was an object of terror to 
the peasantry, as it was almost entirely lined and 
patched with fragments of old coffins from the 
adjacent churchyard. 

At the door of this strange dwelling (on which 
was a rusty coffin-plate as an ornament) he usually 
sat and watched the well and the narrow highway, 
ready to afford any wayfarer a draught from the 
spring, for which he received a small remunera- 
tion, either in coin or food — such as meal, cheese, 
butter, and a bit of venison, which any man might 
then have for the shooting thereof. 

He was clad in a coat and breeches of deerskin; 
he was wasted in form, wan in visage, and had red 
hazel eyes, that glared brightly through the long 
masses of white hair that overhung his wrinkled 
forehead. 


28 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Supporting himself on a knotty stick, which had 
a cross on its upper end, he hobbled forward 
through the shrinking crowd. 

How know you, Paul, that Duncan Mhor Mac- 
Rae, from Kintail-of-the-cows, did this ? ” asked 
Rob Roy. 

^^Even by the words you have spoken, had I not 
better evidence,” replied the strange old man. 

Explain yourself, Paul; we have no time for 
trifling now,” said Rob, softly. 

Duncan nan Creagh lost each alternate tooth in 
his lower jaw when flghting with Colin’s father, at 
the fair of Callender, in the year that the field of 
Rin Ruari was stricken. They came to dirk and 
claymore about the price of a Clydesdale cow, and 
Ian Bane smote Duncan on the mouth with the 
hilt of his sword, and forced him to swallow a 
mouthful of his own teeth ; and a bitter mouthful 
he found them.” 

Dioul I well ? ” 

Since then he has been well-nigh a toothless 
man ; but if you would overtake the creagh, lose 
no time, for I saw the spoil and the spoilers not 
two hours since.” 

“You saw them?” exclaimed all, bending for- 
ward. 

“Yes, I,” said Paul, brandishing his pilgrim- 
staff ; “ and not quite two hours ago.” 

“Where?” asked Red MacGregor. 

“ Crossing the Docliart, and taking the road 
"towards Glenfalloch.” 

“ Which — the military road ? ” 


THE HOLY STEEL. 


29 


No ; Duncan nan Creagh knows better than to 
do that/^ said Paul, shaking his white locks , they 
took the old Fingalian drove-road, right across the 
mountains towards the northwest.^’ 

’Tis well, kinsman,’’ said Rob Roy, sternly and 
gravely ; now, men of Clan Alpine, swear with 
me on the bare dirk, by the soul of Ciar Mhor, to 
revenge the murder of this boy, our kinsman’s 
son, and then away to the hills, — even the hills of 
Kintail, if need be ! ” 

On this being said, every man unsheathed the 
long Highland dirk which hung at his right side, 
and passed round the dead body by the course of 
the sun, from east to west ; for it was the custom 
in the Highlands to approach the grave thus, prior 
to laying the dead within it ; thus to conduct the 
bride to the altar and to her home. It is a remnant 
of fire-worship, and, singularly enough, the wine- 
decanters and the whiskey-bottle are to this hour 
sent round the dinner-table in Scotland, deisalways, 
from left to right, the last remnant of a supersti- 
tion that is old as the days of the Druids. 

Then Rob Roy, McAleister, Greumoch, even old 
Paul Crubach, and every man present, laid his left 
hand on the cold head of the fair-haired Colin, and 
holding his bare dirk aloft, with outstretched arm, 
swore solemnly by the souls of their fathers who 
slept on Inchcailloch, by their own souls, and by 
the memory of every wrong endured by the Clan 
MacGregor since the field of Glenfruin was won by 
their swords, never to seek rest or repose, altar 
or shelter, till they had tracked out the spoilers, 


30 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


and avenged to the utmost the murder of the 
widow’s only son. 

Then each man pressed the bare blade to his 
lips, and this — the most solemn oath of the Scot- 
tish Highlanders — was named swearing on the 
Holy Steel; and he who broke that terrible vow, or 
wilfully failed in the task to which he had dedi- 
cated body and soul, was liable to be slain even by 
his nearest kinsman, as a mansworn coward. The 
usual length of these Highland dirks is about six- 
teen inches in the blade ; so that a stab may be 
given three inches beyond the elbow, and their 
hilts are always covered with twisted knotwork, 
perhaps the last remnant of serpent-worship in 
Europe. 

Now be it dirk and claymore ! ” exclaimed Rob 
Roy. Do men still think to outrage us because 
we are a broken and a landless clan? If so, we 
shall teach them who outlawed the race of Alpine, 
that, if it is lawful to kill a MacGregor, it is also 
lawful to slay a MacRae, or a Colquhoun, like a 
faulty hound; so let us to the hills at once, and 
track the creaghi Meet me at the door of my 
own house in ten minutes, every man who holds 
dear the cry for vengeance on our enemies.” 

We cannot overtake them to-night,” said Greu- 
moch ; “ for the Colquhouns of Luss have sunk the 
ferry-boat, or stolen it to Rossdhu ; so let us cross 
the Loch-hean to-morrow.” 

Dioul ! this counsel is not like yours, Greumoch.” 

“ By dawn the ford of the Dochart will be passa- 
ble,” replied the clansman. 


THE HOLY STEEL. 


31 


“ To-night ; I say to-night I exclaimed Rob, pas- 
sionately. 

To-night ! ’’ reiterated all present, brandishing 
their swords ; to-night be it, or never ! ” 

We will take the ford as we find it,” said Cal- 
1am MacAleister ; “ if they passed it, so may we.’^ 
Never let us put off till to-morrow that which 
we can do or begin to do to-day,” said Rob Roy. 
“ Yesterday passes into eternity fast enough ; and, 
Greumoch, it is a bitter reflection to a man, that 
yesterday was a lost day — a day that can never be 
overtaken. All men’s hands are against us ; but I 
have sworn, by the Gray Stone of MacGregor, that 
vengeance shall yet be ours ! ” 

^^Ard cJioillej and away ! ” shouted Greumoch, 
waving his bonnet, yielding to the general impulse. 

Within a few minutes he, with MacAleister, Alas- 
ter Roy MacGregor, and sixteen other picked men 
of the hamlet, mustered at the door of Rob Roy’s 
mansion. Each had on his belted plaid, which 
means the kilt, with the loose end of the web fast- 
ened by a brooch to the left shoulder as a mantle. 
Each had slung on his back a round target of bull’s 
hide, stretched over fir-boards, and thickly studded 
with brass knobs ; and each was fully armed, with 
a basket-hilted sword, a long dirk, and claw-butted 
pistols. Their bullets were carried in pouches, 
and their powder in horns, slung under the right 
arm. 

The bright moon that lit up the little street of 
the Highland hamlet, glittered on their weapons, 
and shone on their weather-beaten faces, which ex- 


32 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


pressed dark anger, eagerness, and determination 
to overtake the perpetrators of the late outrage. 

They spoke little, but, after the manner of their 
countrymen, hummed or whistled in a surly fash- 
ion, the sure precursor of a squabble among High- 
landers ; and busied themselves with the flints and 
priming of their pistols, or the thongs which tied 
their cuarans or home-made shoes, the sole and 
upper of which are in one pidce, and worn like the 
Eoman sandal. Armed like the rest, the Red Mac- 
Gregor soon came forth, and was greeted by a 
murmur of applause. Good wife — Helen,’^ he 
exclaimed, it is ill marching with a fasting stom- 
ach ; bring forth cakes and the kebboc, with a 
dram of usquebaugh ; for the lads must have their 
deoch an doruis ere we start.’^ 

With a short plaid folded over her head and 
shoulders, his wife, a young and pretty woman, 
appeared at the door, accompanied by two female 
servants, having oat-cakes, cheese, a bottle, glasses, 
and quaichs (that is, little wooden cups) on an oval 
mahogany tea-board. 

Doffing his bonnet to the black-eyed Dame of 
Inversnaid, each man took a dram of whiskey and 
a morsel of bread and cheese ; more as a ceremony, 
it seemed, than because it was necessary. 

Little Coll MacGregor, then Rob^s only child, 
was held up for his father to Idss. Now, fare- 
ye-well. Bird Helen,’’ said he; “ere we return, I 
will have laid the wolf’s head on the heather ; ” 
and, with his followers, he left the hamlet at a 
quick pace. 


THE RED MACGREGOR. 


33 


The wife of Rob Roy looked after them for a 
moment, as their tartans waved, and their bright 
arms flashed in the moonlight ; then her eye 
glanced do>vn the glen, where the burn wound in 
silver sheen towards Loch Lomond, and, with a 
single pious hope for her husband’s safety, she 
quietly shut the door, which was well secured by 
triple locks and bars of iron, and which had, more- 
over, two loop-holes on each side, to fire muskets 
through. When not required for defence, these 
apertures were closed within, by a plug of wood. 
To her, the daughter of a proscribed race, the wife 
of a levier of black-mail, reared as she had been in 
the land of swordsmen, among fierce and predatory 
clans, the departure of her husband on such a mis- 
sion was not a matter for much anxiety, and yet 
this pursuit of the MacRaes was the first important 
exploit of Rob Roy which appears in history. 


CHAPTER V. 

THE RED MACGREGOR. 

“ History,” says a noble author, is a romance 
which is believed ; romance, a history which is not 
believed.” Hence so "much that is fabulous sur- 
rounds the name of Rob Roy, that, like Macbeth, 
his real history and character become almost lost ; 
but I shall endeavor to tell the reader who and 
what he actually was. Rob Roy MacGregor, other- 

3 


34 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


wise compelled by law (for reasons which shall be 
given elsewhere) to call himself Campbell, was in 
his twenty-fifth year at the time our story opens. 

He was the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Donald MacGregor, of Glengyle, in Perthshire, who 
commanded a regiment ^of infantry in the Scottish 
army of King James II. of England, and VII. of 
Scotland. His mother was a daughter of Camp- 
bell of Glenfalloch, a powerful Highland chieftain, 
nearly related to the House of Breadalbane ; con- 
sequently his birth was neither obscure nor igno- 
ble. His elder brother was named John, and he 
had two sisters. His patrimony was the small 
estate of Inversnaid, near the head of Loch Lo- 
mond, and, through his mother, he had a right to a 
wild territory of rock and forest, named Craig- 
Royston, on the eastern shore of that beautiful 
loch, under the shadow of vast mountains ; but, in 
virtue of the arbitrary Act of the Scottish Parlia- 
ment, which abolished the name of MacGregor, he 
was always designated, in legal documents, Robert 
Campbell, of Inversnaid. 

After the bloody clan-battle of Glenfruin^ which 
led to the proscription of the whole of his surname, 
few of the MacGregors were . permitted to die 
a natural death,” says the historian of the clan.* 
As an inducement to murder, a reward was given 
for every head of a MacGregor that was conveyed 
to Edinburgh, and presented to the Council ; and 
those who died a natural death were interred by 
their friends, quietly and expeditiously, as even 

* Dr. MacLeay. 


THE RED MACGREGOR. 


35 


the receptacles of the dead were not held sacred. 
When the grave of a MacGregor was discovered, 
it was common for the villains employed in this 
trade of slaughter, to dig him up, and mutilate the 
remains, by cutting off the head, to be sold to 
the Government, which seemed to delight in such 
traffic.’^ 

The historian proceeds to narrate that the chief 
purveyor of such goods was a certain petty Laird" 
of Glenlochy, named Duncan Campbell, but more 
usually known as Duncan nan Cean, that is, “of 
the heads. 

It chanced one night that Lieutenant-Colonel 
MacGregor (the father of Kob Roy), accompa- 
nied by three soldiers of his surname, was pass- 
ing near the ruins of the old castle of Cardross 
(wherein Robert Bruce breathed his last, and 
which were then visible, a little to the westward 
of the Leven, in Dumbartonshire), when, in a nar- 
row pathway, they met a man leading a horse, on 
each side of which a pannier was swung. 

The path was rough, as well as narrow, and on 
meeting four armed men suddenly in the dark, the 
man shrunk from the bridle of his horse, which 
reared, and caused the contents of the panniers 
to make a strange noise among the straw in which 
they were packed. 

“ Be not alarmed, good fellow,^^ said Glengyle ; 

“ we are not thieves, but soldiers in the king’s 
service. What have you in the panniers ? ” 

The man hesitated, and endeavored to pass on. 


36 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Speak ! ” said the colonel, whose suspicions 
became aroused ; “ is it plunder ? 

^‘Heaven forbid — I am an elder of the kirk, 
sir.’^ 

“ What then V’ 

“ Heads for the Lords of Council at Edinburgh,’’ 
replied the stranger, gathering courage. 

Heads of whom ? ” 

. “ The king’s enemies.” 

Mean you gypsies, or westland Whigs ? ” 

^‘Nay; of the clan Gregor.” 

He is Duncan nan Cean ! He is Duncan of the 
Heads ! ” exclaimed Glengyle, with ferocious joy, 
as he drew his sword. ‘Willain, I have sought 
thee long, and now iJiy head shalLkeep them com- 
pany ! ” and, by a single stroke, he, in an instant, 
decapitated him. The panniers were examined by 
his followers, Avho, with rage and horror, found 
therein several ghastly heads, packed in straw. 
These they immediately buried in a secret place, 
and resumed their way before dawn. 

Rob Roy’s father received the tribute called 
black-mail for protecting, in arms, all who were 
unwilling or unable to protect themselves. This 
tribute was, in every sense, a legal tax, which the 
justices of the peace, in the counties along the 
Highland border, enforced upon the heritors and 
householders. We know not when the Laird of 
Glengyle died ; but, on one occasion, he led three 
hundred of his clan against the Macphersons, who 
had given offence to his friend, the Earl of Moray, 
and. in marching through the forest of Gaich, he 


THE RED MACGREGOR. 


37 


slew the deer, and the forester of Cluny, who had 
resented their passage. 

Eed Eobert, his second son, was about the middle 
height, but had a frame possessed of vast strength 
and great powers of endurance and activity. His 
shoulders were broad, his chest ample, and his 
arms were so long that it was commonly said he 
could garter . his hose, below the knee, without 
stooping. This, no doubt, is an exaggeration ; but 
he possessed 

Wondrous length and strength of arm, 

which gave him great advantage in combats with 
the broadsword. Of these he is said to have fought 
no less than twenty-tioo. 

Even in boyhood he excelled in the use of the 
claymore and all other weapons ,* for this he was, 
no doubt, indebted to the tutelage of his father, old 
Donald of Glengyle, who had handled his sword in 
the wars of the Covenanters and Cavaliers. 

No man was ever known to lorencli anything 
from Eob’s hands ; and so great was his muscular 
power that he would twist a horse’s shoe, and drive 
his dirk, to the hilt, through a two-inch deal board; 
and on more than one occasion he has seized a 
mountain-stag by the antlers, and held it fast, as if 
it had been a little kid. He never, save once, 
refused a challenge. This was when a, peasant, 
named Donald Bane, drew a sword upon him. 

Beware, fellow,” said Eob ; I never fight a 
duel but with a gentleman.” 

His character was open and generous, and it was 


38 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


ever his proudest boast that “ he had never been 
known to turn his back either on a friend or a 
foeV^ 

His lands were frequently wasted, and his cattle 
carried off, by bands of caterans from the mountains 
of Ross-shire and Sutherland ; hence', for his own 
protection, he was compelled to maintain a party 
of well-armed and resolute followers, who, like him- 
self, acquired great experience in war, with habits 
of daring. 

With an open and manly countenance, his fea- 
tures, in youth, are said to have been pleasing and 
cheerful in expression ; but, by the course of life 
upon which unjust laws and adverse fortune hur- 
ried him, they gradually acquired that grave, and 
even morose, aspect, which we find depicted in the 
portrait of him possessed by Buchanan of Arden ; 
the brows are knit, the eyes stern, and the firm 
lips compressed. He has a moustache, well-twisted 
up, and a short curly beard, neither of which were 
then worn in England, or the Scottish Lowlands.- 
He wears a round, blue bonnet, with a black cock- 
ade, and has his weather-beaten neck without collar 
or cravat.* 

His hair, from the color of which he obtained his 
sobriquet of Roy (a corruption of ruadh, or red), 
was of a dark, ruddy hue, with short frizzly locks, 
which he wore without powder — a foolish fashion 

* Two other portraits of Rob Roy are in existence. One belongs 
to the Antiquarian Museum at Edinburgh ; the other to the Duke of 
Argyle, and it had a narrow escape from the fire which consumed the 
castle of Roseneath in 1802. 


THE RED MACGREGOR. 


39 


that was seldom found among the Highlanders, who 
usually tied their hair in a club behind. The cir- 
cumstance that MacGregor was named Red Robert, 
to distinguish him from others, is sufficient to show 
how false is the popular error which bestows hair 
of that color upon every Highlander. 

“ In his conflicts,’’ says Sir Walter Scott, in the 
introduction to the novel which bears our hero’s 
name, “ Rob Roy avoided every appearance of 
cruelty ; and it is not averred that he was evey^ the 
means of unnecessary bloodshed, or the actor of 
any deed that could lead the way to it. Like 
Robin Hood of England, he wa^ a hind and gentle 
robber, and, while he took from the rich, was lib- 
eral in relieving the poor. This might be policy ; 
but the universal tradition of the country speaks 
of it to have arisen from a better motive. All 
whom I have conversed with — and in my youth I 
have seen some who knew Rob Roy personally — 
gave him the character of a humane and benevolent 
many 

As yet, however, he was neither a robber nor an 
outlaw ; but simply a Highland country gentleman, 
a chieftain of a broken clan, living under the pro- 
tection of his mother’s name and kindred ; farming 
his little estate of Inversnaid; dealing in cattle, 
then the chief wealth of our northern mountains ; 
and, being of a warlike disposition, occupying him- 
self as the collector of black-mail — the local tax 
then paid by proprietors, whose estates lay south 
of the Highland frontier, to certain warlike chiefs 
^and chieftains, northward of that line, for the armed 


40 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

protection of their lands and goods from the irrup- 
tion of such caterans as those MacRaes who had 
stolen the cattle from Inversnaid, and of whom we 
left Rob and his men in hot pursuit. 

And it was the collection of this duty, hlachmailj 
which, in 1729, ultimately led to J:he embodiment 
of the Black Watch, or 42d Highland Regiment; 
and it was continued to be levied by certain chief- 
tains so lately as the middle of the last century — 
certainly until 1743. At the time we have intro- 
duced him to our readers, Rob had. been married 
for some time, to a daughter of MacGregor, the 
Laird of Comar. 

Far from being the fighting amazon and fierce 
virago whom Sir Walter Scott has portrayed, Hel- 
en Mary, the goodwife of Inversnaid, was a kind, 
gentle, and motherly woman, who never flourished 
abroad with breastplate, bonnet, and broadsword, 
as we see her on the stage, when opposing the 
bayonets of the redcoats ; but who attended to her 
frugal household, her spinning, baking, and brew- 
ing ; and who wore the simple kerchief and tonnac, 
or short plaid, which, until the close of the last 
century, formed the usual female costume in the 
Highlands ; and never, save once, and then on a 
trifling occasion, did she act a stern and resolute 
part, in an episode to be narrated in its place. 

The reader must bear in mind that Rob Roy was 
not a chief at the head of a clan, but merely the 
second son of a chieftain (the second rank)_at the 
head of a branch of the Clan Alpine, called the line 
of Dugald Ciar Mhor (or Dugald with the mouse- ^ 


THE PURSUIT. 


41 


colored hair), and the men of this branch adhered 
to him, as being his immediate kinsmen and ten- 
ants. 

Deeply in the heart of Rob Roy MacGregor 
rankled the story of the wrongs and oppression 
to which his clan had been subjected by the Scot- 
tish Government — wrongs which, after the acces- 
sion of William III., were rather increased than 
diminished ; and thus he burned for an opportu- 
nity of avenging them at the point of his SAVord, 
on their chief enemies, the Grahames of Montrose, 
the Colquhouns of Luss, and others ; and ere long 
an ample opportunity came. But meanwhile let 
us return from this necessary digression, lest Dun- 
can of the Forays escape with his spoil. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE PURSUIT. 

The inroads of the Highlanders were generally 
made upon the Lowlanders, Avhom they still view 
as intruders and aliens ; but since the proscription 
of the MacGregors, every man might outrage therriy 
under protection of laAv, and lift ’’ their cattle, if 
he could do so ; and a knoAvledge of this increased 
the Avrath and resentment of Rob Roy and liis fol- 
io Avers as they hastened after the MacRaes ; though 
why people of that name, whose home was in Kin- 


42 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


tail, should have come so far to molest the Mac- 
Gregors, no one can. explain. In the bright moon- 
light the pursuers soon reached the place from 
which the creagh or spoil had been taken, the 
same where this history opened, and where the 
widow’s son had been so cruelly slain. 

There the MacGregor’s sleuth-hound paused and 
howled, where Colin’s bonnet and the chanter, with 
which he had accompanied Gina’s song, lay on the 
heather, and again he uttered a low prolonged 
howl on snuffing the odor that came from a patch 
of heath, the darkness of which might make one 
shudder. 

It was the crusted blood of the poor boy’s death- 
wound which still lay there. . Callam, lead the 
dog across the stream,” said ^ob ; he must find 
the scent on the other side ; let him but once snuff 
their footmarks, and then woe to the MacRaes ! ” 

MacAleister, the henchman, dragged the fierce 
dog, by its leash, across the stream. It was a 
blood-hound of the oldest and purest breed, being 
all of a deep tan color, with black spgts, about two 
feet four inches high, with strong limbs, a wide 
chest, broad savage muzzle, and pendulous upper 
lip. 

Crossing the stream hand in hand, with their 
pistols in their teeth, to keep the flints and priming 
dry, the MacGregors reached the opposite bank, 
while the dog ran to and fro, till he suddenly ut- 
tered a growl. He had found a man’s bonnet. 

Paul Crubach was right, — here is the badge 
of Seaforth !” said Greumoch MacGregor, tearing a 


THE PURSUIT. 


43 


tuft of deer^s-grass from the bonnet, and trampling 
upon it with vindictive hate. 

‘‘And there are the cattle-marks,’^ added Eob 
Eoy, who had been scrutinizing the grass and heath 
by the light of the moon ; “ cast loose the dog, 
Callam, — the caterans can have gone up the glen 
but a little way yet.” 

The henchman let slip the leash, and the hound, 
without hesitation, placed his nose near the grass, 
and, uttering from time to time low growls of satis- 
faction, proceeded up the glen at a trot, which gave 
Eob and his armed companions, active though they 
were, some trouble to keep pace with him. 

All traces of habitation were soon left behind, as 
the pursuers and their questing blood-hound pene- 
trated among the dusky mountains, entering on a 
wild and silent region of sterile magnificence, above 
which towered the double cone of Ben More. 

On they went, through the lengthened expanse 
of a glen that lay between two chains of barren 
hills, at the base of which a river, rushing among 
fragments of detached rock, foaming over preci- 
pices and plunging into deep dark pools, swept 
onward to mingle its waters with the Dochart. 
The dog went forward unerringly. 

The hoof-marks of the hastily-driven cattle were 
occasionally seen among the ferns, the crushed 
leaves, the bruised stems and twigs of the wild 
bushes ; but for a time these traces were lost when 
they entered on a great expanse of deep, soft 
heather, broken only here and there by a pool of 
boggy water, which shone whitely in the light of 


44 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the waning moon: it was a tract of vast extent, 
and all of a dun, dark hue. 

Afar off, in the distance, arose the hills of Glen- 
orchy; and now, being somewhat wearied by the 
long and arduous pursuit, Rob Roy and his men 
sat down beside one of those great gray stones 
which stud the Scottish hills and moorlands, mark- 
ing either the site of a Druid’s altar, an old battle- 
field, or a forgotten warrior’s grave. On consulting 
his watch, Rob found the hour was midnight, and 
that they had travelled about twenty miles, over a 
road of unparalleled difficulty. 

A dram from Greumoch’s hunting-bottle revived 
them a little, and then MacAleister led the blood- 
hound in a circuit round the stone to find the scent 
again. These great tracts of heather are frequent- 
ly to be met with in Scotland, and concerning them 
a singular tradition lingers in the Highlands. 

It is said that the Pictish race were celebrated 
for brewing a pleasant beverage from the heather 
blossom, and that they usually cultivated great 
tracts of level muir for this purpose, carefully free- 
ing them of stones. 

On the extinction of their monarchy, and the fa- 
bled extirpation of the whole race by Kenneth II., 
King of the Scots, after the battle of the Tay, two 
Piets became his prisoners, — a father and his son, 
— who alone knew the secret of manufacturing this 
beverage. 

Urged by promises of liberal reward, continues 
the tradition, the father consented to reveal it, on 
condition that first they slew his son, whom a Scot- 


THE PURSUIT. 


45 


tisli warrior thereupon shot through the heart with 
an arroAv. 

Now/’ said the stern Piet, do your worst ; for 
never will I be prevailed upon to disclose a secret 
known to myself alone.” 

A second arrow Avhistled through his heart, and 
the secret perished with him. 

It was on one of these moorland spots that the 
MacGregors halted. The eye could detect no liv- 
ing object in the distance, and the wind brought no 
sound to the ear, as by the great gray stone in the 
wilderness Rob and his men sat listening intently, 
and frequently with their ears close to the ground, 
conversing the while in their native Gaelic, which, 
though strange in sound, and barbarous to English 
ears, is, like the Welsh, a strong, nervous, and 
poetical language, expressing the emotions of the' 
human heart almost better than any other in Eu- 
rope. His followers were beginning to lose heart ; 
and fears that Colin’s death might be unavenged 
and the cattle lost, were freely expressed. 

Remember the oath we have sworn, and neither 
will come to pass,” said Rob, with stern confidence. 
“ By the soul of Ciar Mhor, and by all the bones 
that lie in the Island of the Cell, our sAvords shall 
cross theirs before another sunset, or my name is 
not MacGregor ! ” 

^^Four of the cattle are broAvn beasties of my 
OAvn,” observed Greumoch ,* and if they should be 
lost, and Breadalbane does not see me righted, by 
St. Colme, I’ll bring off the Spanish ram and the 
eight score of black-faced Galloways that are now 


46 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


in his park at Beallach, though every Campbell 
in Glenorchy puts his sword to the grindstone for 
it!’’ 

“ And I Avill back you, Greumoch, though Bread- 
albane is my own kinsman,” said Bob Boy. 

“We are Campbells by day, oich 1 oich 1 ” said 
Greumoch, in a tone of singular bitter irony, which 
drew muttered oaths from his companions; “but 
by night ” 

“We are MacGregors like our fathers, and again 
the sons of Alpine 1 ” said Bob, starting to his feet. 
“ ’S Bioghal mo dhream 1 Forward, lads ! Mac- 
Aleister shouts to us ; the blood-hound has again 
got the scent.” 

The chieftain was right, — the noble dog had dis- 
covered the trails* and once more the pursuit was 
resumed in a direction due northwest. As day 
broke, the distant hill-tops became yellow, and the 
wild moor gradually lightened around them. Bob 
and his followers had just doffed their bonnets, in 
reverence to the rising sun — a superstitious act, 
old as the days of Baal and the Druids — when a 
fox suddenly crossed their path. 

“ Shoot, MacAleister, shoot ! ” exclaimed a dozen 
voices in an excited manner, for the son of the 
arrow-maker was the best marksman on the shores 
of Loch Lomond. 

“ But the creagh, — the caterans ! ” he urged, 
while unslinging his long Spanish gun. 

“ They cannot hear the shot, and, even if they 
did, the fox must not escape.” 

MacAleister took aim and fired. Then a cheer 


THE PURSUIT. 


47 


of satisfaction burst from the MacG-regors, as the 
fox rolled over, feet uppermost, dead, about two 
hundred yards off; and the pursuit was resumed 
with fresh alacrity, as it was then a common Celtic 
belief, that to meet an armed man, when proceed- 
ing on a hostile expedition, portended success ; but 
to have your path crossed by a four-footed animal 
without killing it, or by a woman without drawing- 
blood from her forehead, insured defeat and flight. 

Roused by the report of the musket from their 
lair among the green feathery braken, more than 
one red roebuck started up and fled towards the 
desert of Rannoch, on the skirts of which the 
MacGregors were now entering ; and closely fol- 
lowing the footsteps of the hound, they drew near 
the hills that bordered the vast sea of bog and 
heather. 

Halt ! ’’ cried Rob Roy ; “ do you see that ? — 
it is another omen.’^ 

As he spoke, a black carnivorous raven daringly 
soused down upon a poor little lamb that was 
cropping a patch of grass near its dam, and, in a 
second, picked out his eyes. As the lamb bleated 
loudly, the mountain bird next seized and tore its 
tongue, but a shot from MacGregor^s steel pistol 
killed them both. 

It foretells good fortune,’^ said he, and that 
we shall soon pounce on the MacRaes, even as the 
jraven pounced on the lamb.” 

Greumoch proposed that they should light a fire 
of dry heather-root and broil a collop from the dead 
lamb; but Rob Roy, as he reloaded and primed 


48 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


his pistol, now detected a faint column of blue 
smoke that rose at the edge of the moor ; an4, 
after breakfasting on a little meal and water, he. 
ordered all to advance, but cautiously, towards it. 

“ Wp shall have our collop after we have pun- 
ished the caterans, Greumoch,” said he, good- j 
naturedly. “ You remember what the Earl of Mar I 
said after the battle of Inverlochy, when supping ,1 
cold crowdy out of his own cuaran with the blade j 
of his dagger ? ” ^ ^ ! 

“ ‘ That hunger is ever the best cook.’ ” j 

“ Yes ; so now, lads, forward again ; and remem- j 
ber the widow’s son.” j 

The appearance of some cattle grazing near the j 
smoke made the unwearied pursuers certain that j 
those they sought were not far off; but, after draw- ] 
ing stealthily nearer, they discovered that the fire ] 
was lighted to cook the food of a family of gypsies, ; 
or itinerant tinkers, who were about to take to \ 
flight on seeing Rob and his armed band approach. \ 
On the former calling- aloud that they came thither 
as friends, the eldest of the wanderers turned to 
hear what their visitors required of them. 

MacGregor inquired if they had seen anything 
of the spoilers. 

‘‘ They passed us towards the hills, with twenty 
head of cattle, only two hours ago,” replied the 
gypsy, “ and, by the smoke that is now rising from ■ 
yonder corrie, I am assured that there they have 
made a halt.” 

Good ! ” said MacGregor, with grim satisfac- . 
tion. What is your name, friend ? ” j 



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HAND TO HAND. 


49 


Andrew Gemmil.^’ 

You are a Southland man ? 

“ Yes/’ replied the wanderer, doffing his bonnet 
with reverence, for the aspect and bearing of Rob 
Roy awed and oppressed him. 

“ From whence ? ” 

Moffat-dale. I will show you a track in the 
hills that will lead you to the corrie unseen.” 

Rob promised the old gypsy two Scottish crowns, 
and two silver buttons from his coat, if this service 
were done. Dividing his band into two, he led 
one party straight up the face of the hill, on their 
hands and knees ; the other, under Greumoch, 
guided by Gemmil, the gypsy, made a detour, for 
the purpose of entering the corrie or deep ravine 
on another point, and thus cutting off the retreat 
of the marauders. 


CHAPTER VII. 

HAND TO HAND. 

The autumn morning stole in loveliness over the 
purple heather of the vast moor of Rannoch; the 
blue hills of Glenorchy, that rose in the distance, 
were brightened by the rising sun, and their gray 
mists were floating away on the skirt of the hollow 
wind. 

The dark fir-woods which then shrouded the 
base of that great spiral cone, the Black Mountain, 


50 


THE ADVENTUKES OF ROB ROY. 


tossed their branches in the breeze that swept 
through Glencoe, — the Celtic Yale of Tears, — 
Dutch William’s Yale of Blood! A blue stream 
poured down the mountain-side, past an old gray- 
lettered stone, whose carvings told of the deeds of 
other times. Many are these battle-stones over all 
the Highland hills, for, in foreign or domestic strife, 
every foot of the soil has been soaked in the blood 
of brave men. 

Creeping on their hands and bare knees, like 
stalkers stealing on a herd of deer, Rob and his 
men advanced up the mountain slope, dragging 
their swords and Spanish guns after them. 

The gypsy who acted as their guide was in front. 
Thus they continued to ascend for three hundred 
yards, and soon the sound of voices and of laughter 
was heard. Then came the unmistakable odor of 
broiled meat, and in a few minutes Rob Roy, on 
peering over a ledge of rock, that was fringed by 
the red heather, could perceive the party they were 
in search of, and their spoil. 

Seated round a large fire of dry bog-roots, on 
the embers of which they were broiling a road- 
collop as it was named, were the twenty caterans, 
conversing merrily, making rough jests on the 
MacGregors, and passing their leathern flasks (con- 
taining usquebaugh, no doubt) from hand to hand, 
in a spirit of right good-fellowship. All wore the 
green MacRae tartan, and conspicuous among them 
was Duncan nan Creagh ; near whom lay his long 
pole-axe and brass-studded shield, on which was 
painted a hand holding a sword, the crest of his 


HAND TO HAND. 


51 


surname, — for this unscrupulous marauder was not 
without pretensions to gentle blood. 

His ferocious aspect was greatly enhanced by 
his large and irregular teeth, which were visible 
when he laughed. 

I was right,’^ said Rob, in a whisper to his 
henchman, who always stuck close to him as his 
shadow, ’twas his fangs that left a death-mark in 
the flesh of Colin Bane, the widow’s son.” 

MacAleister levelled the barrel of his long gun 
through the heather full at Duncan’s head. 

Hold,” said MacGregor, half laughing and half 
angry; ^‘1 shall meet Duncan in open fight; but 
take your will of the rest, thgu son of the arrow- 
maker ! ” 

The deep corrie or hollow wherein the catarans 
lurked was shaped like a basin or crater, but was 
open at one end. At the other, or inner end, were 
all the cattle ; so Rob’s plans were soon taken. 
He knew that the conflict would be a severe one,' 
for the men of this tribe were so fierce and tumul- 
tuary that they were, as we have stated, named 
the Wild MacRaes ; but the clan almost disappeared 
from the West Highlands, when, a few years after, 
600 of them enlisted in the Snaforth Fencibles, or 
old 78th Regiment. 

Greumoch, with the rest of his party, now ap- 
peared creeping softly along the other side of the 
opening, where they set up the shout of Ard Choille! 
This- is the war-cry of Clan Alpine, and a volley 
from five or six muskets formed the sequel to it, 
and speedily altered the aspect of the carousing 


52 


THE ADVENTUEES OP ROB ROY. 


party ; for the whole MacGregors rushed on them 
in front and flank, with swords drawn, and heads 
stooped behind their targets. 

With a thousand reverberations the jagged rocks 
gave back the sharp report of the muskets and 
pistols. A yell rose from the hollow, and in a mo- 
ment the MacRaes, three of whom were bleeding 
from bullet-wounds, were up and ready with sword, 
dirk, and target. Hand to hand they all met in 
close and deadly strife, the long claymores whirling, 
flashing, and ringing on each other, or striking 
sparks of fire from the long pike with which the 
centre of every target was armed. 

Swaying his pole-axe, the gigantic Duncan nan 
Creagh kept the sloping side of the corrie against 
all who came near him, hurling every assailant 
down by the ponderous blows he dealt on their 
shields, till Rob Roy hewed a passage towards him, 
just as MacAleister, by a fortunate shot from his 
gun, broke the shaft of the cateran’s axe, on which 
he cast away the fragment and drew his sword. 
While he and Rob eyed each other for a minute, 
each doubtful where to strike or where to thrust, 
so admirably were both skilled in the use of their 
sword and shield, the strong cateran, who was a 
head taller than his muscular assailant, laughed 
grimly, and said, have drawn the first blood 

in this feud, Robert Campbell ; so it is vain to 
attack us.’’ 

Coward ! the first blood was drawn from the 
heart of a poor boy,” replied Rob, sternly; ^^and 
remember that, though I may be Campbell at the 


HAND TO HAND. 


53 


cross of Glasgow, or at the fair of Callender, — yea, 
or at the gallows of Crieff, if it came to that, — 
HERE, upon the free hill-side, I am no Campbell, but 
a MacGregor, as my father was before me, thou dog 
and son of a dog ! 

Again the tall robber laughed loudly, and said 
with pride, as he parried a thrust, — Beware, 
Red MacGregor — I am a MacRae ! 

And wherefore should I beware of that ? 
asked Rob, delivering another thrust, which the 
,,cateran received by a circular parry, that made 
both their arms tingle to the shoulder-blade. 

^^It was said of the first of our name — Bliai 
Mac-ragh-aigh — that he was the son of Good For- 
tune, and his spirit is with us to-day.” 

We shall soon see whether it is so, though I 
believe that his spirit is in a warmer place than the 
Braes of Rannoch,” retorted Rob, pressing vigor- 
ously up the rough stony side of the corrie, his 
great length of arm giving him, when thrusting, a 
superiority over his antagonist, whose blade he met 
constantly by his target and claymore, so that he 
seemed invulnerable. 

A wound in the sword-arm now deprived Mac- 
Gregor of all patience. He flung his target full at 
his enemy’s head, and grasping with both hands 
his claymore — the same claymore with which his 
father, the Colonel, slew Duncan of the Heads — he 
showered blow after blow upon MacRae, whose 
target soon fell in fragments from his wearied arm; 
and the moment that protection was gone, Rob 


64 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


closed in, and thrust his sword through and through 
him ! 

Wri tiling his huge frame convulsively forward on 
the blade, MacE-ae made a tenable effort to get the 
victor within reach of the dirk that Was chained to 
his left hand, but suddenly uttering a shriek which 
ended in a heavy sob, he sank down, to all appear- 
ance lifeless, with the blood gushing from his lips 
and nostrils. 

This put an end to the fray, for all his followers 
fled down the hill-side, pursued by the MacGregor^ 
— all save one, a man of powerful form and fero- 
cious aspect, who was naked to the waist, and had 
his kilt girdled round him by a belt of untanned 
bull-hide. 

This Celtic savage, whose name was Aulay Mac- 
Aulay, flung himself upon MacAleister, who liad 
stumbled and fallen. Seizing the henchman by the 
throat with his teeth, he grasped Greumoch Mac- 
Gregor by the right foot, and with a fragment of 
his sword, which had been broken, endeavored to 
dispatch them both. 

MacAleister strove vainly to release himself, and 
Greumoch struck MacAulay again and again on the 
head with his steel pistol clubbed ; but finding that 
he might as well have hammered on a log of wood, 
he snatched a pistol from the belt of one who lay 
dead close by, and shot the marauder through the 
lower part of the head. He yelled and rolled away, 
biting the heather, and wallowing in blood; and 
from this wild man of the mountains — for, in truth, 
MacAulay was nothing better — that great literary 


HAND TO HAND. 


55 


foe of the Celtic race, the brilliant historian of 
England, was lineally descended. 

Six of the MacRaes were left slain in or near 
the corrie, and several of those who escaped were 
severely wounded. 

Alaster Roy and three other MacGregors were 
wounded, and one was killed by a musket shot. 
The cut on Rob’s arm was deep, and, for a time, 
required all the medical skill of Helen to heal it. 

It was thus that he avenged the foray of the 
MacRaes, and recovered the cattle, which he re- 
stored to their proper owners, who were poor cot- 
ters, to whom the loss would have been a severe 
one. All the weapons, ornaments, and spoil of the 
vanquished he gave to the widow whose son had 
been slain. On the coat of one they found a com- 
plete set of silver buttons, as large as pistol shot. 
Such buttons were frequently worn, even by the 
poorer classes, in the Highlands in those days, and 
came by inheritance through many generations. 
They were meant to serve as ornaments when 
living, and as the means of providing a decent 
funeral, if the owner fell in battle, or died far from 
the home of his kindred. 

Rob Roy received considerable praise for this 
exploit, the scene of which was long marked by a 
cairn, and Mr. Stirling, of Carden, and many other 
gentlemen, whose estates lay near the Highland 
frontier, and whp had been neglecting to pay their 
black-mail, now sent the tax in all haste to Invers- 
naid. 

It was usually said of Rob that his sword was 


56 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


like the sword of Fingal, which was never required 
to give a second blow; but Duncan nanCreaghwas 
not slain, for such men were hard to kill. He was 
borne away by his followers, who returned on the 
departure of the MacGregors, and bound up his 
wounds ; so Duncan lived to fight at the battles of 
Sheriffmuir and Glenshiel. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE BATTLE OF GLENFRUIN. 

The preceding chapter will sufficiently have in- 
dicated that the clan of MacGregor was in a state 
of hostility with nearly all their neighbors, and that 
it proved a source of disquiet to Government. 

We will now proceed to relate how this state of 
matters came to pass, and an explanation is the 
more necessary, as it will serve to show the secret 
spring of many of Rob Roy’s hostile actions, — why 
he took up arms against the Government, and how, 
from being a gentleman-farnier and levier of black- 
mail, he gradually became a rebel, an outlaw, and 
yet a patriot, with a price set upon his head. The 
clan and surname of MacGregor are descended 
from Alpine MacAchai, who was crowned King of 
Scotland in 787, hence their motto, Rioglial mo 
dliream,^^ — “ My race is royal ! ” They are named 
the Clan Alpine, and from their antiquity comes 
the old Scottish proverb, — 


THE BATTLE OF GLENPRUIN. 


57 


TJie woods, the waters, and Clan Alpine, 

Are the oldest things in Albyn. 

Long before charters or parchments were known in 
the North, their possessions were great ; for they 
held lands in Glendochart, Strathfillan, Glenorchy, 
Balquhidder, Breadalbane, and Bannoch, and, until 
1490, Taymouth, too, was theirs. They had four 
strong castles : Kilchurn, which crowns an insular 
rock in Loch Awe, Finlarig, and Ballach, at the 
east end of Loch Tay ; an old fortress on an isle 
in Loch Dochart, and many minor towers. 

But when the kings of Scotland sought to intro- 
duce into the Highlands the same feudal system 
which existed in England and in their Lowland 
territories, and endeavored to subvert the Celtic 
or patriarchal law by substituting Crown charters, 
which made chiefs into barons, who, in their single 
person, thus became lords of all the land in which 
their clan had ‘previously a joint right and share, 
— a right old as the days of the first settlers on 
British soil, — a bloody strife ensued between those 
who accepted such charters and those who refused 
and despised them. 

Feuds and local wars began, and all those who 
resisted the king were termed broken clans, and 
to be thus stigmatized was tantamount to a denun- 
ciation of outlawry. By their sturdy adherence to 
the system of their forefathers, the Clan Alpine 
soon became eminently obnoxious to James YI., 
the meanest monarch that ever occupied a Euro- 
pean throne ; the more so, that in 1602, a long and 
bitter quarrel between them and the Colquhouns 


58 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


of Luss (who had murdered two wandering Mac- 
Gregors) came to a terrible issue in a place called 
Glenfruin. Its name signifies the Glen of Sorrow, 
and it is a deep vale intersected by the Fruin, and 
overlooked by ridges of dark heathy mountains, 
that are more than eighteen hundred feet in 
height. 

Here, then, on the 9th of February Sir Humphry 
Colquhoun, pf.Luss, at the head of a great force 
of horse and foot, composed of his own clan, the 
Grahames, and the burghers of Dumbarton, under 
Tobias Smollet, their provost, — met Alaster Roy 
MacGregor of Glenstrae, who had only four hun- 
dred swordsmen ; but his superior bravery and 
skill soon decided the disastrous conflict. 

Glenstrae divided his little force into two parties. 
Reserving two hundred to himself, he gave two 
hundred to his brother Ian MacGregor, with orders 
to make a long circuit, and attack Luss in the rear. 

This manoeuvre was most successfully executed, 
and a dreadful hand-to-hand conflict ensued in the 
narrow vale. The Clan Gregor cast aside their 
shields, and plying their sharp claymores, with both 
hands clenched in the iron hilts, assailed both horse 
and foot in front and rear, threw them into con- 
fusion, and swept them in rout and dismay down 
Glenfruin towards Loch Lomond. 

Two hundred Buchanans and Colquhouns were 
slain on the field, and though many of the Clan 
Alpine were wounded in their furious charge, it is 
remarkable that only Ian MacGregor and another 
of the clan were slain. 


THE BATTLE OF GLENPRUIN. 


59 


They lie buried on the field under a large 
block, which is named The Gray Stone of Mac- 
Gregor.” 

A little rivulet near it is still named ‘4he stream 
of ghosts ; ” for there Fletcher of Cameron, a fol- 
lower of the Clan Alpine, is said to have slaugh- 
tered a number of clerical scholars, who had come 
from Dumbarton to see the battle ; and it is still 
believed that if a MacGregor crosses it after sun- 
set he will be scared by dreadful spectres. Yet, 
to preserve these boys from bullets and arrows 
in the hour of battle, it is alleged that Alaster 
of Glenstrae humanely enclosed them iff a little 
church, the thatched roof of which was fired acci- 
dentally by the wadding of a musket, and they all 
perished in the flames. Others say they were all 
dirked by Dugald Ciar Mhor, from whom Rob Roy 
was lineally descended, and that he slew them 
like sheep, at a large stone, from which the blood 
can never be effaced. 

Being mounted on a poweiful horse. Sir Hum- 
phry Colquhoun, minus sword and helmet, escaped 
from the field, and fied to the castle of Bannochar, 
where he was afterwards slain, when concealed in 
one of the vaults, not by MacGregors, but by some 
of the MacFarlanes, though the blame of the deed 
was unjustly thrown on the former. 

To James VI. his successor and friends made a 
doleful report of the battle, in their own fashion, 
and there came before that monarch, at Stirling, a 
strange procession of eleven score of women, bear- 
ing each, upon a spear, a bloody shirt, purporting 


60 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

to be that of a husband or kinsman slain in Glen- 
fruin. 

These females had been mostly hired at so much 
per head, in Glasgow, for the pageant, and the 
blood on the woollen shirts was that of a cow, bled 
expressly for the purpose; but this melodramatic 
exhibition was singularly successful. 

James was so incensed that, without further in- 
quiry, he issued letters of fire and sword against 
the MacGregors; and then the Colquhouns, the 
Buchanans, the Camerons, and the Clan Ronald 
joined with others, in a species of crusade, to crush 
them, ^hey were hunted throughout the land, 
like wild animals, but could never be suppressed ; 
for, whenever a MacGregor fell, the sword of an- 
other appeared to avenge him. 

Captured by treachery, Alaster of Glenstrae, 
the gallant victor of Glenfruin, was ignominiously 
hanged, at the cross of Edinburgh, with all his 
nearest kinsmen, the sole honor awarded to him 
being a loftier gibbet, than the rest. 

By an Act of the Scottish Legislature, the sur- 
name of MacGregor, was abolished, and they Avere 
compelled to ?dopt others. Some called themselves 
Gregory and Gregorson, and some Mallet, of whom 
the grandfather of the poet of that name was one. 
Many took the name of Grahame, but many more 
allied themselves with the powerful House of Ar- 
gyle, taking the surname of the Great Clan ; ” 
hence, a hundred years after the grass had groAvn 
above the graves of the dead in Glenfruin, we find 


THE BATTLE OF GLENFRUIN. 


61 


Rob Roy designating himself Campbell^ the name 
of his mother ! 

The same Apt ordained that none of the race of 
Alpine should have in their possession any other 
weapon than a pointless knife, wherewith to cut 
their food; yet, in defiance of the Act, the Clan 
Gregor went armed to the teeth, as usual. 

Blood-hounds were employed to track them in 
their retreats ; and their very children were ab- 
stracted, and brought up in hatred of the blood 
they inherited. But the Celtic nature was soon 
averse to such modes of suppressing a warlike and 
time-honored clan; and the Camerons alone main- 
tained the war against the MacGregors, who, on 
being joined by the MacPhersons, met them in bat- 
tle in Brae Lochaber, and gave one-half of them a 
lesson in charity, by cutting the other to pieces. 

After the battle of Glenfruin, seven MacGregors, 
who were pursued by a body of Colquhouns, came 
over the mountains of Glencoe and Glenorchy, 
down by the lone and lovely shore of Lochiel and 
the birchen woods that border on the wild waters 
of the Spean, till they found a brief shelter in the 
farm-house of Tirindrish, which was then occupied 
by a Cameron. 

Alarmed by the approach of the Colquhouns, they 
fled again, and took shelter in a cavern, which the 
Cameron, actuated either by treachery or timidity, 
pointed out to the pursuers. The toil-worn fugi- 
tives were attacked with sword and pistol. Six 
were slain, and lie buried where some pines; the 
badge of their clan, were lately planted, in memory 


62 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


of the event. The seventh fled to a little distance, 
but was overtaken, beheaded, and buried beside a 
stream, where a friend of the author lately found 
his skull, which the water had laid bare, by wash- 
ing away the bank, in which the other bones lie 
yet embedded. 

After their slaughter, the Colquhouns went back 
to Luss ; but the farm-house of Tirindrish was now 
said to be haunted from time to time by a headless 
figure. The Cameron became alarmed, and brought 
thither a Taischatr, or seer, who saw it also, — the 
dim outline of a shadowy and barelegged High- 
lander, without a head, but with a remarkable 
swelling on the right knee, a disease of which the 
treacherous farmer had long complained ; and hence 
the seer intimated that the figure represented him- 
self! 

It proved but the shadow of a coming event ; for 
soon after a party of MacGregors, true to the old 
Celtic instinct of revenge, came to Tirindrish, and, 
to punish the Cameron for having discovered the 
cavern to the Colquhouns, struck off his head, by 
order of Dugald Ciar Mhor. ■S'he place where the 
six fugitives perished is still named the Mac- 
Gregor’s Cave, and a cairn was built there by the 
MacDonalds in memory of the event. 

Hundreds of such episodes followed the battle 
of Glenfruin ; and more fully to suppress the fated 
surname, no minister of the church could, at bap- 
tism, give the name of MacGregor to a child, under 
pain of banishment and deprivation ; and the heads 
of the Clan Alpine became a marketable commodity 


THE BATTLE OF GLENFRUIN. 


63 


under King William III., as the story of Duncan 
nan Cean remains to testify. 

Yet in spite of all these savage laws the clan 
grew and flourished in the fastnesses of the High- 
lands, and in the battles of Montrose their shout of 
Ard Ghoille was heard farthest amid the ranks of 
the routed Covenanters. Hence the spirit of their 
Gathering, — 

The moon’s on the lake, and the mist’s on the bay, 

And the clan has a nam^ that is nameless by day — 
Then gather, gather, gather, Grigalach ! 

While there’s leaves on the forest, or foam on the river, 
MacGregor, despite them, shall flourish forever ! 

Then gather, gather, gather, Grigalach ! 

Hence in 1645 they could muster a thousand 
swordsmen ; a hundred years later seven hundred 
swordsmen, and when the Highland regiment of 
Clan Alpine was raised by the chief in 1779, one 
thousand two hundred and thirty of the clan and 
their kindred enlisted to flght for George III. 

So little do tyranny and oppression avail in the 
end ! They served but to bind Clan Alpine to- 
gether like bands of steel; but they were never 
restored to their ancient rights, surname, or liberty, 
till an Act of the British Parliament was passed in 
their favor, only twenty -four years before the regi- 
ment was embodied. 

The wrongs of his name and kindred made a 
deep impression on Rob Roy, and he thirsted for 
an opportunity of seeing them righted, either by 


64 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


the restoration of the House of Stuart, or by the 
destruction of their more immediate oppressors. 

He knew and writhed under the unjust laws by 
which the whole clan, for the deeds of a few, so 
long ago as the field of Glenfruin, were stigmatized 
as cutthroats and traitors, and by which they were 
nominally disarmed, — the deepest, disgrace that 
could be infiicted upon a Highlander; by which 
they were degraded in name and station, and only 
permitted to live as Campbells, Grahames, or Drum- 
monds, — a landless and broken race. 

In his soul he longed for an opportunity of 
avenging all this on the king and parliament, and 
for becoming a champion of the old Scottish patri- 
archal system, and opposing the new, which made 
feudal lords of Celtic chiefs, with power of gallows 
and dungeon, over free men, — but these were vis- 
ions wild and vain ! 

Proud of the past, however vague, the Red Mac- 
Gregor, like all his Celtic countrymen, believed in 
the words of the bard, that — 

Ere ever Ossian raised his song, 

To tell of Fingal’s fame ; 

Ere ever from their sunny clime 
The Roman eagles came : 

The hills had given to heroes birth, 

Brave e’en amid the brave ; 

Who taught, above tyrannic dust. 

The thistle tufts to wave ! 

And this belief in a lofty and warlike ancestry has 
ever been the Highlander^s greatest incentive to 
moral character and heroic bearing. 


THE DEVASTATION OP KIPPEN. 


65 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE DEVASTATION OF KIPPEN. 

In the days of Rob Roy there were no police, 
troops, or garrisons in his part of the Highlands, 
and no law was recognized save that of the sword. 

William III. had recently been placed on the 
throne, and he exasperated the MacGregors by 
restoring all the oppressive Acts passed against 
them, — Acts which had been cancelled for a time 
by Charles II. Thus they w^ere again compelled to 
assume other names than their own, or forfeit land, 
arms, and all means of livelihood. The memory of 
Williaih of Orange is still abhorred by the High- 
landers. He was a king whose cowardice lost the 
battle of Steinkirke, anr by whose behest torture 
was last judicially used on Neville Payne, an Eng- 
lishman, in a Scottish court of law. He introduced 
flogging into the army, keelhauling into the navy ; 

and he,’^ says Sir William Napier, is the only 
general on record to whom attaches the detestable 
distinction of sporting with men’s lives by whole- 
sale and who fought the battle of St. Denis with 
the Peace of Nimeguen in his pocket, because he 
would not deny himself a safe lesson in his trade ; ” 
and he it was who, by his own sign manual, con- 
demned the whole inhabitants of a Scottish valley 
to be slaughtered in their beds at midnight, and 
6 


66 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


this was after he had ratified the Treaty of Achal- 
ader ! . 

Hatred of this king and of those who adhered to 
him determined Rob Roy to punish some of the 
Whigs in his neighborhood, and remembering how 
active the Buchanans had made themselves since 
the days of Glenfruin, he resolved to fall upon 
them. 

Assembling about two hundred men, and attended 
by MacAleister and Greumoch, he marched from 
Inversnaid towards Kippen, giving out that he 
went in the name of King James VII. to plunder 
the rebel Whigs.’’ After a fifteen miles’ march, 
they halted for the first night on the northern 
shore of the Loch of Monteith, amid the thick 
groves of oak, chestnut, and ancient plane trees 
which flourish there. They shot some deer, lighted 
fires, and proceeded to cook and^regale themselves 
on the venison, with all the greater relish that it 
belonged to their hereditary enemies the Grahames 
of Monteith ; and after posting sentinels, they 
passed the nigtt in carousing, and singing those 
long songs still so common in the Highlands, where 
the air and the theme have been carried down, 
from the days perhaps of the Druids, who, when 
seeking to cultivate the people by music and poe- 
try, framed their songs with long choruses in which 
all could join. 

And now, under the rustling leaves of the old 
forest, the MacGregors, wrapped in their red tartan 
plaids, sat round the glowing watch-fires, and made 
the dingles echo, as they sang one of the ballads of 


THE DEVASTATION OP KIPPEN. 67 

the female bard of Scarba, — Mary, the daughter of 
R-ed Alister. Two hours before daybreak they 
were all on the march again, and eight miles or so 
further brought them, in the early dusk of the 
autumn morning, to Kippen. This village lies 
within ten miles of the guns of Stirling Castle, and 
for centuries it had belonged to the Buchanans. 
Here the fertile valley through which the Forth 
flows was studded with prosperous farms and hand- 
some country seats, surrounded by luxuriant crops 
^in some places, by the stubble-fields in others, — a 
rural scene, amid which the rocky blufi* of the 
Abbeycraig and the wooded summit of Craigforth 
start up boldly and abruptly, with their faces to 
the west ; and Rob Roy took care to choose the 
time of his invasion when most of the crops were 
stored in the barn, and when the cattle and sheep 
were gatliered in pen and fold. 

On the approach of the MacG-regors, the old 
castle of Ardfinlay (of which no trace now re- 
mains) and the tower of Arnprior were abandoned 
by th^ Buchanans, without a shot toeing fired, while 
the village of Kippen was evacuated by its inhab- 
itants, who fled towards Stirling, with whatever 
they could carry. Carts and horses were now 
seized by the MacGregors, and loaded with grain, 
food, furniture, and whatever they could lay their 
hands upon. The cattle, horses, and sheep were 
collected in herds jand flocks ; and, after sweeping 
the parish, Rob^s men were about to depart for 
Inversnaid, with pipes playing triumphantly in 
front, when a body of men, armed with muskets 


68 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


and bayonets, swords and pikes, appeared with 
drums beating, ready to oppose them, about an 
hour after sunrise. 

These men had been hastily collected and armed 
by Sir James Livingstone, a gentleman who had 
served in foreign wars, and who was resolved that 
Kob Roy should not harry the district without a 
blow being struck in its defence. On the open 
ground, known as the Moor of Kippen, they came 
in sight of each other. 

Rob halted his men with the spoil they had 
collected, and resolutely advanced to the front, at- 
tended by his henchman, by Greumoch, Alaster 
Roy, and a few others on whom he most relied. 
By his bearing and the richness of his weapons, as 
well as by his ruddy-colored hair and beard, and 
the two eagle feathers in his blue bonnet. Sir 
James Livingstone recognized the Laird of Invers- 
naid, and he also came forward from his line, at- 
tended by a faithful servant, who was well armed. 

Under his ample red coat, which was open. Sir 
J ames wore a cuirass of polished steel ; his hat was 
cocked up by gold cord, and his full, white periwig 
flowed over his shoulders. Under the cuirass he 
wore a bulf waistcoat, which reached nearly to his 
knees ; he had his sword drawn in his right hand, 
and carried a brace of loaded pistols in his girdle, 
to which they hung by steel hooks. 

Have I the honor of addi;^ssing MacGregor 
of Inversnaid ? said he, politely lifting his hat 
when within ten paces of Rob Roy, who replied, 
sternly, — 


THE DEVASTATION OF KIPPEN. 


69 


“I am MacG-regor. Had you styled me by 
another name than that which my father left me, 
I would have killed you on the instant. And 
you 

am Sir James Livingstone. I have nothing 
to do with the laws which seek the suppression of 
your name and the destruction of your clan, save 
that I reprobate them ; but I demand by what 
right you have broken the king’s peace, and come 
hither in arms to plunder a peaceful district ? ” 
^^For three sufficient causes,” replied Rob; ^ffirst, 
I have the old Highland right by which we can at 
any time make a warlike inroad on our enemies, 
which the Buchanans of Kippen and Arnprior have 
been since that black day in Glenfruin ; secondly, 
I break the peace of him you name a king because 
I deem him a Dutch usurper ; and thirdly, I take 
from cowards that which they have not the heart 
to defend.” 

I regret to hear all this,” replied Sir James,* 
persuasively, “ for there will be much blood shed, 
MacGregor, if you do not yield up the spoil your 
people have collected.” 

Yield it — to whom?” asked MacGregor, loftily. 

To me.” 

Little care we for bloodshed,” said the other, 
bitterly; ^‘your foreign kings and Lowland laws 
have made Clan Alpine like the Arabs of the des- 
ert, whose hands are against all men, because the 
hands of all men are uplifted against them. Yet I, 
personally, have no wish to slay any of your people. 
You are a gentleman and a soldier, whose character 


70 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


I value and honor ; thus, if you choose, I will fight 
with you here, hand to hand, with target and clay- 
more, in front of our men, and the spoil shall belong 
to him who draws the first hloodJ^ 

Agreed,'^ replied Sir James, sternly; “but, 
though expert enough in the use of the sword, I 
am unused to such a defence as the target.’’ 

“ That shall be no hindrance,” said Rob, as he 
handed to Mac Aleister his round shield, which was 
composed of triple bull’s-hide, stretched over wood, 
covered with antique brass bosses, and had a long 
spike of steel screwed into its centre. 

The friends of Sir James now crowded around 
him, and bade him be wary, and remember the vast 
strength of Rob Roy ; the great skill he possessed, 
the weight of his sword, and the advantage his 
length of arm gave him over others. These warn- 
ings were not without effect on Sir James, who 
was too brave to be without prudence. He came 
forward, and, lifting his little three-cocked hat, the 
edge of which was bound with feathers, like those 
of all the officers who served in King William’s 
wars, he said, — 

“ I agree to meet you, MacGregor, as a gentle- 
man, on the distinct understanding that the entire 
spoil shall remain with him who is fortunate enough 
to draw the first blood ; but, as being the person 
challenged, I claim the right to choose my weapon, 
\ and for many reasons prefer the pistol.” 

^ “ Be it so,” replied Rob, laughing, as Sir James 

\ divested himself of his glittering cuirass : “ I am 

\ ^ 


THE DEVASTATION OF KIPPEN. 


71 


not an old. trooper like you, yet am a good marks- 
man nevertheless.’^ 

Are your pistols loaded ? ” 

“ The pistols of a MacG-regor are seldom other- 
wise, in these times,” said Eob, as his countenance ! 
darkened ] and yours ? ” 

“Are loaded, too.” 

“Shall we fire. together, or toss up for the first 
shot ? ” asked MacGregor. f 

“We will toss for the first shot, if you please,” 
replied Livingstone, who, aware that he was a 
deadly marksman, and had fought several duels in 
France and Flanders with terrible success, had no 
fears as to the result, if the lot fell to him. 

“ Then, Sir James, toss for me, but remain where 
you are,” said MacGregor, with indifference. 

“And you will take my word for the coin — for 
the result ! ” exclaimed Livingstone, with some- 
thing of admiration in his tone and face. 

“Had I doubted your word, I would not fight 
with you. On equal terms I meet none but gen- 
tlemen.” 

A servant of Sir James, a man in livery, armed 
with a musket, now came hastily forward to sug- 
gest some trickery, which his master repelled with 
scorn — even with anger. 

He threw up the coin — a crown piece ; it glit- 
tered in the air, and then fell on the grass. 

“A head ! ” said MacGregor. 

“ I regret to say it is not a head,” replied Sir 
James, touching his hat, while his cheek flushed 
with triumph : “ so I have won the first shot ! ” 


72 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


A shout of anger burst from the MacGregors on 
hearing this ; biit Livingstone’s followers waved 
their bonnets, and clapped their hands in exulta- 
tion. 

It was strange, the scene which took place on 
that ^morning, on the wide moor of Kippen. On 
one side the grim band of armed MacGregors, in 
their red tartans, with drawn swords, Lochaber 
axes, and long muskets, guarding the whole spoil 
of the parish, and keeping together the herds of 
lowing cattle and tethered horses, laden with bags 
of grain, bedding, and household utensils^ 

On the other, the well-armed retainers of Sir 
James Livingstone, cross-belted and armed with 
pike and musket ; and midway between, the strik- 
ing and picturesque figures of the two combatants, 
who were to decide the afifay, standing about 
twelve paces apart> with a pistol in each hand. 


THE DUEL. 


73 


CHAPTER X. 

THE DUEL. 

Sir James drew up his tall and soldier-like figure 
to its full height, and buttoning to the throat his 
long-skirted scarlet coat, the breast of which was 
covered with broad bars of silver lace, he fixed his 
keen, dark eyes steadily on the figure of Rob Roy. 
He then levelled a pistol at the full length of his 
right arm, and every eye was bent upon the muz- 
zle from which death was expected to issue. 

Rob^s coat was of rough, home-made, brown stuff, 
destitute of lace or ornament ; but his great belted 
plaid of scarlet tartan filled up the eye. His pis- 
tols were bright as silver, and came from the famous 
workshop established at Doune, so long ago a& 1646, 
by Thomas Cadell. A silver chain suspended his 
splendidly carved powder-horn, and his dirk and 
broadsword were elaborately mounted with silver. 
Sir James covered him with his pistol, and fired ! 

A shout of rage and disma^^ ’ . „ from the Mac- 

Gregors, as Rob’s bonnet wr arned round on his 
head, and, cut by the bullet, one of his eagle feath- 
ers floated away on the breeze. 

That was a good shot. Sir James,” said Rob, 
smiling, as he replaced his bonnet ; an inch lower, 
and there would have been one MacGregor less in 


74 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the world to persecute. Under favor, sir, it is now 
my turn.” 

Raising one of the claw-butted, steel. Highland 
pistols, he cocked and levelled it straight at the 
head of Livingstone, whose eye never quailed, and 
whose gallant spirit never flinched. Then sud- 
denly lowering the weapon, he said, One cannot 
always be a hero like Fingal, but one may always 
be a gentleman. I am, as you know. Sir James, a 
deadly shot, and at this moment could kill you 
without reloading. I have no desire to slay men 
unnecessarily — brave men like you, who may live 
to serve their mother, Scotland, least of all ! In 
short, I wish to spare you; but as the creagh must 
belong to him who sheds the first blood, I must 
send this bullet either through your head or your 
hand. If you prefer the latter, please to hold it 
up.” 

Scarcely knowing what he did. Sir James held 
up his left* hand. Rob flred, and his bullet whistled 
through the palm of the upheld hand, which was 
instantly covered with blood, when Livingstone 
uttered an exclamation of pain and suddenly low- 
ered his arm. 

“We now part on the flrst blood drawn — your 
own terms, Livingstone. To the hill, lads ! ” ex- 
claimed MacGregor ; “ to the hiUs with the gear of 
the Hutch king’s rebel Whigs ! ” 

A yell of triumph from the MacGregors rent the 
sky, the pipes struck up “ The Battle of Glenfruin,” 
and the whole cavalcade moved ofi* towards the 
mountains. But the matter did not end here, for 


THE DUEL. 


75 


as Rob tarried a moment, to take a more coiirteons 
farewell of his adversary, and to bind up his wounded 
hand, Livingstone^s liveried valet levelled a pistol 
at his head. Fortunately it flashed in the pan; 
and MacAleister, who was close by, shot him dead 
with his musket ! 

“ Only one man, a servant to Sir James Living- 
stone, was killed ' on this occasion,” says the statis- 
tical account; ^^and this depredation was remem- 
bered by the fathers of several persons still living, 
and is known as the ^ HeFship of Kippen.^ ” 

It does not appear that any means were taken 
to recover the cattle and goods thus carried to the 
fastnesses of the MacGregors ; but at this time the 
whole Highlands, from the German to the Atlantic 
Ocean, were full of those scenes of war and plun- 
der which succeeded the victory of the loyal clans 
at Killy crankie, and the faU of their idol, the gal- 
lant Dundee. 


76 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XI. 

ROB GOES TO ENGLAND. 

All hope of restoring the exiled House of Stuart 
having ceased for a time, Rob Roy, for some years 
subsequent to the establishment of the Revolution, 
lived quietly on his estate of Inversnaid ; only as- 
suming the sword to protect himself, his neighbors, 
or those whose properties lay south of the High- 
land frontier, and who paid the usual tax of black- 
mail for that security of life and goods which he 
and others afforded them. He dealt largely in cat- 
tle, and speculated so fortunately, that before the 
year 1707 he had cleared the lands of Craigrostan 
from certain bonds held over them by J ames. Mar- 
quis of Montrose ; and he generously relieved the 
estate of Clengyle, the property of his nephew, 
Gregor MacGregor, famous in Scottish history as 
Glun dhu, or the Black-knee, from similar incum- 
brances of a heavy kind; and being, by law, ^e 
guardian, or, as it is termed in Scotland, the tutor 
of Glengyle, Rob had great influence over the whole 
clan, though nameless, broken, and scattered. 

Rob and his gillies, clad in their red tartans, and 
armed with sword, dirk, and pistol, and with a tar- 
get slung on the left shoulder, each carrying*, more 
over, a heavy cudgel, driving some thousand head 


ROB GOES TO ENGLAND. 


77 


of cattle, with pipers playing in front, to the fair 
of Callender, or the Trysts of Falkirk, which were 
then held on the Reddingrig Moor, and had been 
so since 1701, presented an appearance so animated, 
and an aspect so formidable, that few cared to med- 
dle with the Red MacGregor and his foUowers.- 

Affrays were frequent at those fairs, and, indeed, 
everywhere else in Scotland ; political and religious 
differences made men rancorous, and arms were 
readily resorted to. It was not until 1727 that the 
Provost of Edinburgh prohibited wearing of pistols 
and daggers openly in the streets of the city, for 
brawls had become incessant. 

“ It may well be supposed that in those days no 
Lowland, and much less English drovers, ventured 
into the HighlandSj^ says Scott. The cattle, which 
were the staple commodity of the mountains, were 
escorted down to the fairs by a party of Highland- 
ers, with aU their arms rattling about them, and who 
dealt, however, in all honor and faith with their 
southern customers. A fray, indeed, would some- 
times arise, when the Lowland men, chiefly-Border- 
ers, who had to supply the English market, used to 
dip their bonnets in the next brook, and wrapping 
them round their hands, oppose the cudgels to the 
" naked broadsword, which had not always the supe- 
riority. I have heard from aged persons who had 
been in such affrays, that the Highlanders used 
remarkably fair play, never using the point of the 
sword, far less their pistols or daggers ,* so that a 
slash or two, or a broken head, was easily accom- 
modated ; and as the trade was of benefit to both 


78 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


parties, trifling skirmishes were not allowed to in- 
terrupt its harmony.’^ 

King William having restored all the severe laws 
against the clan, Rob was compelled to resume the 
name of Campbell, when in 1703, his nephew, 
Gregor Glun Dhu, who was likewise compelled to 
call himself James Graham, was married to Mary 
Hamilton of Bardowie, in the. November of that 
year, and our hero signed their contract as Robert 
Campbell of Inversnaid.” 

While he was acquiring wealth and popularity of 
a local and peaceful kind by his frequent visits to 
the Borders, his wife, Helen Mary, managed his 
household at Inversnaid, and earned the reputation 
of being a thrifty, active, and careful housewife. 
Gentle in manner, and gently bred, she could play 
the old Highland harp with great skill, as she had 
been taught by Rori Ball, or Blind Roderick, who 
was bard to MacLeod of that Ilk, and was, more- 
over, the last harper of the Hebrides. 

A Highland housewife had plenty of occupation 
in those days. The corn was then dressed in an 
ancient fashion by the women. The straw was 
fired, 'that the heat might parch the grain, which, 
though blackened, was gathered into the hand-mills, 
or querns, and ground into meal or flour, just as 
the Israelites ground theirs of old. They had also 
the management of the sheep. No flocks were 
then kept in the Highlands ; but every family had 
from the Hebrides a few sheep of a small breed, 
which were never permitted to range the mountain, 
but were carefully housed at night. 


ROB GOES TO ENGLAND. 


79 


111 the household of Inversnaid the spinning- 
wheels were never idle ; hejice there was plenty of 
industry and comfort, but few luxuries. All the 
furniture was of black oak, or Scottish pine ; the 
only piece of mahogany being an oval tea-board, a 
portion of Helen’s plenishing,” when she left her 
father’s house at Comar. On ordinary days her 
dress was linsey-woolsey and a tartan plaid; and 
though dignified with the title of lady in Gaelic, afe 
being the wife of a chieftain, and on certain occa- 
sions, such as birthdays or anniversaries (the Gowrie 
conspiracy, the Restoration, or the imaginary suc- 
cession of James YIII.), wearing silk and fine lace, 
they were all made up at home, for in those seques- 
tered regions the name and business of a milliner 
were unknown. Of their five sons, only four had 
as yet been born — Coll, Ronald, Hamish, and Dun- 
can. 

We are now rapidly approaching those events 
which scattered Helen’s happy household, and drove 
her brave and trusty, generous and humane hus- 
band “ to the hill-side, to become a broken man,” 
branded as an outlaw and traitor, with a price upon 
his head. King James VH. was dead, and his son, 
though in exile, had assumed the title of James HI. 
of England and VIII. of Scotland. 

In 1707 the English endeavored to force the 
Scots into a union ; and, as a preliminary, very un- 
wisely seized all their merchant ships that were 
in southern ports. On this Scotland prepared for 
war by strengthening her garrisons, and proposing 
to raise, sixty thousand infantry; so England re- 


80 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


sorted to other meanS; and by bribery achieved the 
measure so long desired. Thus that which was 
hitherto a weak and federal union^ became a pow- 
erful and combined one ; each country, however, 
retaining its own church and laws. 

Before this great treaty was complete, the Scot- 
tish Government restricted the importation of cat- 
tle into England; but free intercourse being one 
of the happy results of the Union, various persons 
speculated in this traffic. Among others, Rob Roy 
engaged in a joint adventure with James, Marquis 
of Montrose, who had received a sum of money for 
his Union vote, and in the month preceding that 
measure had been created a duke, with the office 
of Lord Privy Seal for Scotland. 

The capital to be advanced,’^ says Dr. Browne, 
in his History of the Highlands,’^ was fixed at 
ten thousand merks eacA, and Rob Roy was to pur- 
chase cattle therewith, and drive them to England 
for sale.’^ 

The Duke’s money he received from his factor 
or chamberlain, John Grahame of Killearn, partly 
in cash and partly in bills of exchange, drawn 
through the Bank of Scotland on Grahame of 
Gorthy. He soon collected a vast herd, and leav- 
ing his trusty henchman and foster-brother, Mac- 
Aleister, in charge of his household, departed for 
Carlisle. 

The system of fosterage, which consisted in the 
mutual exchange of children for the purpose of 
being nursed and bred, was a custom peculiar to 
the Scots and Irish, who were wont to allege that 


THE GYPSIES. 


81 


there was no love or faith in the world like that 
which existed between foster-brethren; so Rob de- 
parted in confidence on his important mission with 
a herd worth twenty thousand Scottish merks. 

Prior to his leaving Inversnaid, Paul Crubach 
had come there, and sprinkled all the cattle with 
water from his holy well. On such occasions he 
was always provided with certain flint arrow-heads, 
which he had found where a battle had been fought, 
long, long ago. These elfshots he duly dipped in 
the water of his well, and then sprinkled it over 
the herd to prevent any spell an evil eye, or an- 
other elfshot, might cast upon them before they 
reached the great market at Merry Carlisle.^^ 


CHAPTER XII. 

THE GYPSIES. 

The trade of cattle-dealing was liable at that 
time, as at every other, to sudden depressions and 
miscalculations ; thus, on his arrival at Carlisle, 
Rob Roy — unfortunately for the success of the 
joint speculation in which he was engaged — foundl 
the southern markets, where Higliland cattle had 
been so long in great demand, completely over- 
stocked. Many other speculators were now in the 
field. The prices fell lower than they had ever 
been before, and he was compelled to dispose of 


82 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the whole stock of cattle far below prime cost. As 
his herds diminished, he gradually sent all his dro- 
vers and gillies home to the Highlands. The last 
he despatched was Greumoch MacGregor, with 
whom he entrusted a letter (dated from an host- 
lery in Castle Street, where he lodged) addressed 
to the Duke of Montrose, detailing their mutual 
loss. 

When the last cow was sold, Rob secured the 
money which remained for the Duke and himself 
in his sporan, as the pouch worn in front of the kilt 
is named. It was made of the skin of an otter, 
shot by himself in the Dochart, and was adorned 
by its face and claws, and closed by a curious steel 
clasp. 

With his pistols carefully primed and loaded (as 
the roads were then infested by footpads, mounted 
highwaymen, and gypsies), he left Carlisle by the 
Scottish gate, and in very low spirits took his home- 
ward way, mounted on a stout little Highland horse. 

Carlisle was then, and for long after, girt by walls 
and towers as a defence against the Scots, whom 
the English could scarcely view yet as fellow-sub- 
jects. 

Without any occurrence he travelled about forty- 
five miles, and on the evening of the second day 
found himself entering Moffatdale, a deep and pas- 
toral valley, which is overshadowed by mountains 
of great height, at the foot of which tlie Evan and 
the Annan unite their waters in one. The sunlight 
had faded from the green summits of the Moffat 
Alps — of Hartfell and Queen sherry, and the deep 


THE GYPSIES. 


83 


shady valleys were growing dark. The night-hawk 
was winging its way towards the lonely banks of 
Loch Skene ; the shrill whistle of the curlew as he 
rose from among the green waving fern or purple 
heather-bells, and the coo of the sweet cushat dove 
in the birchen thicket, were alone breaking the 
silence, when Rob Roy drew his bridle near the 
village of Moffat to consider where he should quar- 
ter himself for the night. 

He was in a strange place, and had about him 
more money than he cared to lose. There were 
several ruins of old peel-houses, towers, and cattle- 
sheilings on the hills, and in one of these a hardy 
Highlander could sleep comfortably enough when 
rolled in his plaid ; but there was no necessity for 
faring so roughly. 

A meteor which shot across the darkening sky, 
near the spire of a distant village church, made 
Rob thoughtful ; for it is an old Celtic superstition, 
that when a falling star is seen by any one near ^ 
burying-ground, it portends that death is near. At 
the moment he paused a cry of distress pierced the 
air. He listened intently and instinctively, and 
drawing forth a pistol, glanced at the flint and 
priming, to be prepared for any emergency. Again 
the cry reached him, and it seemed to be uttered 
by a female in distress. Urging his strong and ac- 
tive Highland garron in the direction from whence 
the cries came, he entered a deep and savage dell 
named Gartpool Linn, where he beheld a very start- 
ling sight. 

A large and gnarled tree spread its broad branches 


84 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


liko a leafy arch above this dell, and beneath them 
the last red gleam of the western sky shone full 
into the hollow. There an officer and a party of 
soldiers were deliberately preparing to hang four 
peasants on the lower limb of the old chestnut. 
At the foot of the latter, on her knees, with hair 
dishevelled and disordered dress, there knelt a 
young girl, who was alternately bewailing the fate 
of the four victims, and imploring mercy for them; 
and, from what she said, they proved to be her 
father and three brothers. 

In the oldest peasant MacGregor almost imme- 
diately recognized Andrew Gemmil, the gypsey 
wanderer who had acted as his guide when he 
followed Duncan nan Creagh to the Braes of Ran- 
noch. Being single-handed, ignorant of the crime 
of which the prisoners were accused, and finding 
himself before eighteen soldiers and an officer, who 
were aU fully armed, and who by their jack-boots, 
buff breeches, and blue coats, evidently belonged 
to a Border militia regiment, Rob Roy stood by for 
some time in bewilderment, and soon saw the four 
unfortunates flung in succession off a ladder, and 
all swinging and writhing in the agonies of death 
between him and the ruddy western sky. 

The officer now commanded his men to seize the 
girl, who had cast herself with her face on the 
grass, that she might shut out the dreadful scene ; 
he added they were to bind her hands and feet to- 
gether, and then throw her head foremost into the 
stream, which then swept in full flood through this 
savage ravine, and was all the more fierce and deep 


THE GYPSIES. 


85 


that heavy rains had fallen of late. Rob’s blood 
began to boil. He thought perhaps upon the words 
of Ossian : — “ Within this bosom is a voice — it 
comes not to other ears — that bids Ossian succor 
the helpless in their hour of need.” 

Four soldiers tied her hands and feet, and were 
about to obey the order of the ofScer, when Rob, 
exasperated by such unmanly cruelty, commanded 
them in a loud voice to pause, and then he de- 
manded sternly, “Why do you treat a helpless 
female in a manner so barbarous ? ” 

Perceiving that he was plainly attired in a rough 
coat of Galloway frieze, with a tartan plaid thrown 
over his left shoulder, and a broad blue bonnet 
drawn down close to his eyes, and perhaps una- 
ware that he had a good sword by his side and 
pistols at his girdle, the officer replied haugh- 

tily,— 

“ Sir, you had better be gone about your own 
business, whatever it may be, lest we add you to 
the goodly company who await the crows on that 
branch, if you dare to interrupt those who act in 
the Queen’s name and under her authority.” 

“ Miscreant ! ” exclaimed Rob, “ the good Queen 
Anne never gave you warrant for such deeds as 
these.” 

“ Then the Lords of her Council do — so it mat- 
ters not to me.” 

“ Who are these people ? ” asked Rob, firmly. 

“Enemies of Church and State,” replied the 
officer, “ and therefore they must suffer. Throw 
in the woman ! ” 


86 


TUB ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Hold, I command you ! exclaimed MacGregor, 
with a voice 'like a trumpet, and leaping from his 
saddle, he unsheathed his claymore. The fury and 
indignation which filled his heart added such 
strength to his muscular arm, that in an incredibly 
short time he had tossed eight of the soldiers into 
the stream, and rescued the girl, waving his bare 
blade in a circle between her and the rest, who 
dared not advance. Confounded by the audacity 
of the man, by his sudden onslaught, and the 
whole catastrophe, the oflScer remained for a mo- 
ment gazing alternately at the bold intercessor, 
and at his men, who were struggling, shouting, 
swearing, and scrambling ^to the river bank, as 
they best could. With a slash of his skene dhu 
Eob cut the cords which bound the girPs hands 
and feet, and bade her be gone and God-speed. 

By this time the officer had rallied his energies, 
and drawing his sword, attacked Rob, who instantly 
ran him through the body, on which the soldiers 
believing that some large force of assailants was at 
hand, fled without firing a shot, and left him in 
possession of the field. 

He then cut down those who had just been exe- 
cuted. All were motionless and still ; but not all 
dead, for ere long one who had been last thrown 
off the ladder showed signs of life, and began to 
revive. 

Rob committed him and the girl, his sister, to 
the care of the peasantry, some of whom were now 
assembled. He did more, for he carefully bound 
up the wound of the officer, who was borne away 


INVERSNAID PILLAGED. 


87 


to the village ; and then MacGregor, not knowing 
how the matter might end, or of what the persons 
rescued were accused, put some money into the 
hands of the half-dead girl, and remounting his 
horse, galloped through Molfatdale as fast as its 
heels could bear him. 

The author who relates this adventure of Rob 
Roy, terms the persons who were executed fanat- 
ics ; ” hut it is much more probable that they were ' 
all border gypsies, against whom there were then, 
and for a long while after, laws in existence even 
as severe as those which oppressed Clan Gregor. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

INVERSNAID PILLAGED. 

On receipt of Rob Roy^s letter, containing intel- 
ligence that the cattle speculation had been a fail- 
ure, and that their money was nearly lost, his 
Grace, the Duke of Montrose, burst into a very 
undignified fit of indignation, and instantly sum- 
moned his chamberlain, John Grahame of Killearn, 
who was a remote relation of his own, and in every 
sense a devoted and unscrupulous follower. 

Poor Greumoch, whose rough and weather-beaten 
exterior, with homespun Highland dress, with a 
target slung on his back, all combined to gain him 
but little favor with Montrose’s pampered valets. 


88 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


was speedily bowed out by them, and had the 
door shut in his face, notwithstanding the eagle’s 
feather in his bonnet, which evinced his claim, 
when on the mountain-side, to be considered a 
gentleman. 

Then the angry duke laid the letter of Rob be- 
fore his chamberlain, who in the Scottish fashion 
was simply named always by the title of his prop- 
erty. 

Well, Killearn,” said Montrose, grimly ; “ here 
is a braw business ! Ten thousand merks nearly 
have been made away with by this Highland lim- 
mer, and am I to be at the loss of them ? ” 

“Assuredly not, your grace, — assuredly not,” 
replied Killearn. “Rob has property; there are 
both Inversnaid and Craigrostan.” 

“ Craigrostan — bah I it is only a tract of gray 
rock and red heather, where even the deer can 
scarcely find shelter,” replied the duke contemp- 
tuously. 

“ But Inversnaid has a comfortable house, with 
steading, barn, and byre, forbye garden and meadow 
ground.” 

“ Then, by heaven, I shall take Inversnaid, though 
all that bear the surname of MacGregor were on 
the hills to oppose me 1 ” exclaimed the duke, pas- 
sionately. 

Killearn seemed uneasy as the duke made this 
outburst, and he twisted his weU-powdered wig to 
and fro, as if the heat of it oppressed him. He 
was a dapper little personage, who was always ac- 
curately attired in a square-skirted coat, having 


INVERSNAID PILLAGED. 


89 


immense cuffs and pocket flaps, a long-bodied vest, 
and small-clothes all of black velvet. His cravat, 
wig, and ruflfles were all white as snow ; he did 
not approve of swords, and never wore one, though 
for more than sixty years after this time every 
gentleman in Scotland did. 

In one huge pocket he carried a silver snuff-box, 
and in the other a small thick breeches Bible, 
which he produced on every occasion ; for he was 
one of those religious pretenders of whom Scot- 
land has always produced a plentiful crop. 

To describe his face would be difficult ; but it 
expressed a singular combination of suavity, secret 
ferocity, cunning, and meanness. Montrose was 
the chief of his name ; hence Killearn regarded 
him as a demigod, and all the more so because he 
was a duke, and one who paid him well. 

So between them it was arranged that as Bob 
Eoy was absent — luckily for their scheme — pos- 
session, in the mean time, should be taken of all the 
movables in his house and on his estate ; that a 
warrant for his apprehension should be procured, 
and a reward offered for his capture by advertise- 
ments in the Edinburgh newspapers. Such law- 
less and arbitrary proceedings were as easily man- 
aged as proposed in those days. 

Take a well-armed party of my own people 
with you,^^ said the duke ; Rob has many enemies 
in Dumbarton and the Lennox, who have long been 
resenting his collection of black-mail, and you will 
find plenty of hands willing enough to aid you in 
driving his men farther into the hills. There is 


90 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Stirling of Carden will help you, if required ; and I 
dare say MacDougal’s Dragoons could be marched 
up Loch Lomond side, with the Buchanans of Kip- 
pen ; and,’’ he added with a sour , smile, perhaps 
the Laird of Luss may move in the matter, if he 
has not forgotten the battle of Glenfruin, and the 
blood that yet stains the floor of a certain vault in 
the castle of Bannochar. See to this, Killearn, and 
bring me news when all is arranged.” 

Killearn was somewhat aghast on hearing this 
rapid sketch of a campaign in which he was to 
figure as leader. He had no desire to head an 
armed raid into the MacGregors’ country if he 
could avoid it ; but he resolved to proceed in reg- 
ular form of law, and in the duke’s name he did 
so, with marvellous rapidity. 

All Rob Roy’s farm stock and furniture, and ulti- 
mately his house and estates, Inversnaid and Craig- 
rostan, were unjustifiably made objects for arrest 
and sale ; and while he was lingering in Glasgow, 
endeavoring to raise money to repay the duke, the 
warrant of distress,” as it would be called in Eng- 
land, was enforced with great strictness and even 
barbarity. 

Another account of these proceedings would 
make it appear that Rob was compelled to assign 
his possessions in mortgage to the Duke of Mon- 
trose, under a solemn promise that they should 
revert to him when he could restore the money 
lost in the transaction at Carlisle ; that afterwards, 
when his finances improved, he offered the sum for 
which tlie two little properties were held in hand ; 


INVERSNAID PILLAGED. 


91 


but Montrose and Killearn replied that, besides the 
principal, there was now interest thereon, and vari- 
ous other expenses, so that much time would be 
required to make up a statement of the Avhole sum, 
and that, in ^Hhis equivocal manner, he was amused, 
and ultimately deprived of all his property P What- 
ever their proceedings were, of the latter fact 
there is no doubt. 

With a band of well-armed followers to support 
the officers of the law, Killearn appeared at the 
house of Inversnaid, when, fortunately for himself, 
and for those who accompanied him, the men of 
the village were absent — some with the cattle on 
the mountains, others cutting peat in the bogs, 
some fishing in the loch, and others hunting in the 
woods. 

Rob^s crops of barley, rye, peas, and small black 
oats were all stored in his granary ; and stacks of 
dark brown peats, drawn from the bog on sledges, 
for winter fuel, were piled before the door. The 
young women of the village were busy carrying 
manure to the fields in conical baskets, for now the 
little wooden ploughs were at work on the upland 
slopes ; and the old people sat at their doors knit- 
ting, spinning, or basking in the autumn sun, that 
• poured his yellow glory down the rugged glen, 
where the voices of children rang merrily, for a 
band of bareheaded and barelegged urchins were 
having boisterous and gleeful game, with clubs and 
balls, in the middle of the clachan, when, to the 
terror of all, John Grahame of Killearn appeared 
with his followers. 


92 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


He had come up Loch Lomond, with one or two 
large boats, armed with brass swivel-guns, accom- 
panied by several of the Buchanans, and, as some 
say, by Stirling of Carden, who hated Bob Boy, and 
dreaded him too, as he had long and unjustly with- 
held the tax of black-mail. 

With all his duplicity and cunning, Killearn must 
have been a bold fellow in attempting to enforce, 
in those days of dirks and broadswords, — and more 
especially in the country of Bob Boy, — the same 
harsh measures which similar factors carry out so 
successfully among the now unarmed population of 
the North ; spreading desolation through Boss- 
shire, Sutherland, and Breadalbane. Yet, anoma- 
lous as it may appear, he did so. It is said that on 
the night before this visit, Bob^s stag-hounds howled 
in a melancholy and ominous manner, for the old 
gray Highland dog possesses a sagacity so remark- 
able, and an attachment so strong for his master, 
that the people believe he can foresee approaching 
evil and death with the eyes of a seer. 

Of the interview which took place between Mr. 
Grahame and Helen MacGregor, only traditional 
accounts have been preserved; but all who have 
written on the subject assert that he forcibly en- 
tered the house of Inversnaid, and roughly and. 
summarily expelled her, with her four children and 
all her servants ; and that his bearing was harsh, 
brutal, and unjustifiable. ^ 

Grahame of Killearn,’^ says the History of 
Stirlingshire,’^ ^^over-zealous in his master’s ser- 
vice, had recourse to a mode of expulsion inconsist- 


INVERSNAID PILLAGED. 


93 


ent with the rights of humanity, by insulting Mrs. 
Campbell in her husband’s absence.” 

The furniture, crops, farm-stock, food, clothing, 
and everything were carried off to be sold at Glas- 
gow or Dumbarton, and the door of the empty 
house was closed upon the now homeless family. 
The poor huts of Greumoch, Alaster Doy, and their 
more immediate followers, were burned or levelled, 
that they too might be without shelter; and re- 
embarking, after achieving these outrageous pro- 
ceedings, Killearn, with all his plunder, spread his 
sails and proceeded down Loch Lomond with all 
speed. 

More than once the long Spanish gun of Rob’s 
foster-brother covered the dapper figure of the 
duke’s chamberlain; but Greumoch arrested the. 
weapon, and bade him tarry in his vengeance till 
the Red MacGregor returned. 

On beholding the total ruin of her household, 
Helen MacGregor is said to have cast her plaid 
around her little boys, as they shrunk to her side, 
and exclaimed, in a piercing voice, “ Oh ! St. Mary, 
now with the archangels, look here I ” For a time 
she abandoned herself to the wildest grief; then, 
when thoughts more- fierce and bitter came, she 
wiped away her tears, and registered a terrible vow 
for vengeance on their oppressors. 

It is certain,” says Scott, that she felt extreme 
anguish on being expelled from the banks of Loch 
Lomond, and gave vent to her feelings in a fine 
piece of pipe music, which she composed, and 


94 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


which is still well known by the name of ^ Rob 
Roy’s Lament.’ ” 

One of the children was sickly and feeble, and 
thus they were all thrust forth upon the mountain- 
side, in the last days of autumn, when a Highland 
winter, with all its severities, was at hand, and 
when the forest of pine — the badge of their name 
— would be their only shelter ; so Helen longed for 
the return of her husband, and for the vengeance 
which was sure to follow ! 


CHAPTER XIY. 

ROB AND THE DUKE. 

Ignorant of what had passed, — that the fire on 
his hearth was , extinguished, and that his household 
had been driven forth like beasts of prey, — Rob 
Roy, after failing to procure in Glasgow a sum 
requisite to gratify the avarice of Montrose, ap- 
peared one afternoon at the residence of the latter, 
the castle of Mugdock, which is nine miles distant 
from Glasgow, and is situated in Strathblane. 

The valets muttered among themselves of what 
their titled master had done, and marvelled what 
might be the object of this visit from MacGregor ; 
the latter, especially since his inroad into Kippen, 
had been somewhat used to be treated with a 
respect that was not unmingled with fear, so the 


ROB AND THE DUKE. 


95 


sudden interest his appearance excited was un- 
noticed by him, as he was ushered into the library. 

The castle of Mugdock, now a ruin, was then a 
regularly fortified tower. It is of great antiquity, 
and was protected on the east and north by the 
water of a lake, which was drawn round it in the 
manner of a fosse. 

The central keep or donjon was surrounded by a 
barbican, built so as to form an obtuse angle with 
the latter, so that a cross shower of missiles would 
protect the arched gateway from any besiegers who 
might assail it, for defence was the first principle 
of Scottish architecture in the olden time. 

Through the grated windows of the library poor 
Hob gazed wistfully down Strathblane, ^‘the vale 
of the warm river,’’ as it is named in the figurative 
language of his native country. He could see the 
wooded landscape stretching to the westward far 
away, the gentle uplands, the pine thickets, the 
shining lochlets and the winding stream ; the insu- 
lated cone of Dumgoaic, covered to its summit with 
waving foliage, and in the distance, closing the 
familiar view, the vast outline of Ben Lomond, that 
overshadowed its lake of the Twenty-four Isles, and 
looked down on Inversnaid, where, as he fondly be- 
lieved, Helen, their little ones, MacAleister, and 
the household awaited his return ! 

Alas ! how little he knew of all that had hap- 
pened there within the last few weeks ; and as little 
dared his titled host to tell him. 

A step fell on his ear, as a person in high-heeled 
riding-boots, with gilt maroquin gambadoes and 


96 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


gold spurs, trod on the polished oak floor. Rob 
turned, and found himself face to face with the 
chief of the gallant Grahams,’^ the Duke of Mon- 
trose. 

The latter was not a little startled on finding 
himself, during such a crisis in their affairs, con- 
fronted by a man of such known resolution as the 
Red MacGregor, so he blushed redly to the roots 
of his ample periwig. 

He wore the square-cut coat with buckram skirts 
and the long-flapped waistcoat of Queen Anne’s 
reign. The^ were of dark blue silk, covered with 
gold embroidery, and he looked every way the 
great-grandson of the High Cavalier Marquis, 
whose portrait, by Anthony Vandycke, in wig and 
aiTuor, with sword and scarlet baton, hung upon 
the wall, — the game great Montrose who had been 
so cruelly butchered by the Covenanters in 1650. 

As the duke entered, he had in his hand a news- 
paper, which he hastily crushed and concealed in 
his pocket, changing color as he did so, for that 
identical paper was the Edinburgh Evening Cour- 
ant, containing the advertisement offering a reward 
for Rob’s seizure, dead or alive, a copy of which 
Grahame of Killearn had just sent to Mugdock by 
a special messenger. 

Though armed with sword, dirk, and pistols, the 
bearing of Rob Roy assured the startled duke in 
an instant that his visit was not hostile, and that 
he was ignorant, or as yet happily unconscious, of 
the wreck of his peace and honor, the destruction 
of his property, and the desolation of his home ; 


ROB AND THE DUKE. 


97 


SO Montrose bowed courteously, with a courtier^s 
greeting, 

“ I salute you, gentleman,’^ said Rob, as in G-aelic 
there are no terms descriptive of rank. The duke, 
whose right hand was still buried in his pocket, 
clutching the paper, as if he dreaded that it would 
fly out and unfold itself, held forth the other ; but 
Rob drew back with a lofty air of offended dignity, 
saying, — 

My father’s son would not take the left hand of 
a king — nay, not even of him who is far away in 
France ; God save and send him safely to his own 
again ! And so, duke, why should I take yours?’’’’ 

Please yourself, MacGregor,” replied the duke, 
with chilling hauteur ; but remember that I have 
good reason to be offended.” 

Offended ! ” echoed Rob, with surprise. 

You have used me ill.” 

You got my letter from Carlisle by the hand 
of my most trusted kinsman, Greumoch?” asked 
Rob, hastily. 

“A gillie — a drover,” sneered Montrose. 

“A duinewassal of the Clan Alpine, James Gra- 
hame, name him as you will,” said Rob Roy, be- 
coming flushed with anger. 

What is all this to me ? ” asked Montrose, 
haughtily. 

Dioul !” exclpimed Rob, passionately ; did you 
not get my letter ? ” 
did.” 

Then it fully explained all.” 

It explained that, being undersold in the south- 

7 


98 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


ern markets, or something to that efiect, you had 
parted with our cattle below prime cost.’^ 

Far below it, as I can assure your grace.’’ 

Well, MacGregor Campbell ? ” 

“ ’Sdeath ! MacGregor only ! ” interrupted Rob, 
whose fury was fast rising, and he stamped Iris foot 
on the floor. 

I decline to bear my share in this loss, and have 
insisted upon repayment of the whole sum origi- 
nally subscribed, with the interest due thereon.” 

You have insisted ? ” repeated Rob. 

“ The affair is in the hand of my chamberlain,” 
said the duke, evasively. “ I am not ’now to learn 
the tricks of Highland drovers, and how your band 
of landless reivers and broken sorners, who drove 
those cattle south, are likely to serve me.” The 
duke made this offensive speech for the express 
purpose of working himself, and Rob too, into a 
passion. 

“ Montrose,” said the latter, sternly, “ those 
whom you stigmatize as landless reivers and broken 
sorners are better men than ever inherited your 
blood, duke now though you be ! And if this is 
the way you mean to treat me, by the Gray Stone 
in Glenfruin, and by the souls of those who died 
there, I shall not consider it my interest to pay 
your interest, nor my interest either to pay even 
the principal ! ” 

“ Dare- you say this to me ?” exclaimed the duke, 
flushing with real anger ; “ to me, under my own 
roof-tree ? ” 

MacGregor laughed, and patted the basket-hilt 


ROB AND THE DUKE. 


99 


of his sword, put on his bonnet, and arose, saying, 
I would say something more if yon stood on the 
open heather, under the canopy of heaven. But 
now let us understand each other ; big words never 
geared MacGregor, and they are not likely to do so 
now. I have but two hundred pounds to offer you, 
and yours it should have been had you acted justly 
or generously; but now ” 

‘‘ You will keep it, of course ? 

‘‘Ay, every God’s penny, and lay it out in the 
king’s service.” 

“ What king ? ” 

“ Can you ask ? ” exclaimed Bob, with a glance 
of surprise, that was blended almost with ferocity. 
“I mean King James VIII. of Scotland. Queen 
Anne is ill, so men told me in the south ; the day is 
not far distant when the flag will hang half-hoisted 
on the walls of Carlisle ; and the first news that 
the Hanoverian Elector has landed in England will 
make the Highland hills bristle with broadswords 
— yea, bristle like a stubble-field ! The heather 
will be on fire from Strathspey to Inverary, and 
this two hundred poun^, Montrose, the sum ex- 
actly for which, as men say, you sold your country, 
when bribed to make the Union, I shall lay out in 
the service of him who has sworn to break it. 
Ochon! the ills that are coming upon us are a 
pregnant example of the folly of a people allowing 
their fatherland to be the property of kings ! Thus, 
ours succeeded to the kingdom of England, just as 
they might have done to a farm or a barony ; but 
England being the richer and the greater, they 


100 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


soon forgot the old house in which their good fore- 
fathers lived and died. And now, Montrose, learn 
from this hour that MacGregor is your enemy 

The duke, who was too high-spirited to brook 
being bearded in his own house, raised his hand tc^ 
the bell to summon his servants, but paused on 
seeing the stern frown that gathered on MacGreg- 
or’s face, and that his right hand was on the pistol 
in his girdle. 

With a mock reverence Rob left his presence, 
reached the barbican, mounted his horse, and was 
soon galloping down Strathblane towards the banks 
of the Enrich. 

The duke’s first intention was to have him over- 
taken by a mounted party, and made prisoner ; but 
he speedily dismissed the idea, for to waylay one 
who had just left his own threshold would cover 
his name with disgrace and reprobation throughout 
the north ; and, moreover, the castle of Mugdock 
was uncomfortably near the Highland frontier. 

No, no,” he muttered ; ’twere better that he 
should fall into other hands than mine, and find his 
way from thence to the castle of Dumbarton, or 
the kindly gallows of Crieff,” for so the Highland- 
ers ironically termed that formidable gibbet on 
which so many a sturdy cateran has taken his last 
farewell of the sun. 


DESOLATION. 


101 


CHAPTER XV. 

DESOLATION. 

Full of his own thoughts, which were fiery and 
bitter, and feeling fully resolved to challenge Mon- 
trose to a combat, according to the laws of honor 
and of arms, Rob rode fast along the eastern shore 
of Loch Lomond ; but darkness had set in before 
he drew near Inversnaid. 

Then his heart began to swell with other and 
kindlier emotions as he pictured his home and his 
household — his wife and their fair-haired children 
welcoming him back ; and already their voices 
seemed to sound in his ears, and their smiling 
faces to come before him. 

The moon had risen, and shed its light upon that 
lovely lake of many isles, on the vast shadowy 
masses of Ben Lomond and its wondrous scenery, 
through which the rugged pathway wound, over- 
hung in some places by gloomy pines, by impending 
rocks, or the feathery sprays of the silver birch. 

With scorn and defiance of Montrose, certain 
emotions of pride and security swelled the heart 
of MacGregor, as he rode on ; for again he was at 
home — in the home of the swordsman and shep- 
herd — the abode of the wolf and the eagle, where 
yet in the garb of old Gaul, — 


102 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


The hunter of deer and the warrior trod 
To his hills that encircle the sea. 

From some points Loch Lomond resembled a 
great river, lying between lofty mountains, its 
bosom dotted with isles that are covered with 
trees, dark brushwood, or moss of emerald green. 
Bold headlands of rock seemed to jut forth in the 
Water, which shone in the moonlight like a sheet 
of silver, and hills that were covered with wood 
filled up the background. 

And there^ in the moonlight, lay the loveliest of 
all Loch Lomond^s green and woody isles, the Mac- 
Gregors’ burying-place, — the Place of Sleep, Inch- 
cailloch, or the Isle of Nuns, with its ruined chapel 
and all its solemn trees. 

The Red MacGregor gazed on it wistfully, for 
there had all the dead of his persecuted clan been 
gathered, generation after generation, ever since 
the days of Donngheal, the son of King Alpin ; 
and now he whipped his lagging horse, and ere 
long reached the narrow track which led to his 
home at Inversnaid. 

The stillness began to surprise him; no cattle 
lowed on the hills, no dog barked or bayed to the 
moon as she waded through the fleecy clouds, 
and one or two cottages, whose inmates he knew, 
seemed to have fallen in or been levelled. 

A strange forebeding of evil stole into his breast. 

At last, his own house, with its whitewashed 
walls, and its roof thatched with heather, rose be- 
fore him in the glen ; but no smoke curled from its 


DESOLATION. 


103 


chimneys, — no light appeared in any of its win- 
dows, and all was solemnly and oppressively still 
in the homestead around it, — still and silent as the 
islet of the dead that lay in the shining lake below. 

Dismounting, he led his horse by the bridle, and 
was about to approach the door, when three High- 
landers appeared suddenly before him ; one carried 
a gun, and was fully armed ; the other two bore a 
dead deer, which was slung by the feet from the 
branch of a tree that rested on their shoulders. 

He with the gun came boldly forward, and de- 
manded who went there ? 

The Red MacHregor,’^ replied Rob, in Gaelic. 

“ Inversnaid ! ’’ exclaimed the three men, joy- 
ously; and, dropping the deer, they almost em- 
braced him, for they proved to be Greumoch and 
two other MacGregors, who were among his most 
trusted and valued followers. 

‘‘ What does all this mean ? he exclaimed ; 
why is my house shut, and where are the people ? 
Ask Montrose ! ” said Greumoch, fiercely. 

“ Montrose ! I left him but a few hours ago in 
Strathblane,^^ replied Rob. 

And he told you nothing ? ” 

Only that I owed him money, and that this 
money he would have — every penny. But speak 
quickly, — Helen, the boys, — what has happened?’’ 

The resentment of Rob Roy was deep, fierce, and 
bitter when he found that his house and homestead 
had been swept of everything, and that nothing 
remained for him and his family but an abode in 
the woods or on the mountain-side ; and he uttered 


104 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


a terrible vow for vengeance on Killearn and on 
the duke his master. 

Ponderous locks now secured the door of his own 
house against him. These Greumoch’s gun might 
soon have blown to pieces, and thus he might have 
forced an entrance ; or he might have repaired to 
the house of his nephew at Glengyle. But Bob did 
neither; he simply desired Greumoch to conduct 
him to Helen, who now had found shelter in a little 
cottage — a veritable hut — in a glen at some dis- 
tance ; and the first boding sound that reached his 
ear as he approached it was the melancholy wail of 
the bagpipe, as Alpine, the family piper, played 
Helen’s Lament^ which we believe has never been 
committed to paper, but has been handed down 
from one generation to another. 

The presence of his wife and children (one of the 
latter sick and ailing, too), instead of soothing Rob 
Boy, added fuel to the fiame that burned within 
him ; and the alternate . grief and energy of Helen 
spurred his longing for vengeance on those who 
had so foully wronged him. 

Next, his followers crowded around him, detail- 
ing their losses and insults, grasping significantly 
the hilts of their swords and dirks, and gradually 
lashing each other into greater fury, for hitherto 
they had lacked but a leader, and now that Bob 
liad returned they expected him to march them at 
once against the Grahams, or whoever might come 
in their way. But Bob Roy had greater aims in 
view than the mere gratification of private re- 
venge ; so he resolved to be patient for a time. 


DESOLATION. 


105 


‘^And when that time comes, Helen,” said he, 
with solemn energy, ‘‘1 will lay the Lennox in 
flames, and harry Mugdock to its gronnd-stone. 
There is not a house or homestead, a castle or vil- 
lage, but I shall lay in ashes, between this and the 
Trongate of Glasgow, unless my hopes and meas- 
ures fail me.” 

Helen answered only by her tears, and pressed 
her sick baby closer to her breast. 

^‘Woe to you, Killearn,” said Greumoch, while 
feeling the edge of his pole-axe ; if you fall into 
my hands you will have a short life ! ” 

Next morning Hob placed Helen on a strong 
Highland garron, and slung the children in two 
panniers on the back of the horse he had ridden 
from Glasgow. Greumoch, MacAleister, and others 
shouldered their long Spanish muskets, the pipers 
struck up ^^MacGregor’s March,” and in this fashion 
the family of Inversnaid departed to seek a wilder 
part of the country, where, rent free, they might 
dwell. amid the hills. 

Rob retired twelve Scottish (or twenty English) 
miles further into the Highlands, but he still re- 
mained upon what he considered his own territory; 
and there, building what was termed a creel-house, 
resolved to live in open war with, and defiance of 
the Duke of Montrose, who, by a regular form of 
law, had now become, for a time, legal proprietor 
of Inversnaid and Craigrostan ! 

In the wilds of Glendochart Rob began to frame 
daring political schemes, which the protection af- 
forded to him by his kinsman. Sir John Campbell, 


106 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


of Glenorchy, now Earl of Breadalbane, enabled him 
to mature, and arms were collected and hidden in 
secret places, and men were prepared for the com- 
ing strife. 

Aware that the Paper Court of Dunedin (as the 
Highlanders disdainfully term the College of Jus- 
tice at Edinburgh) was not a place where a Celt 

— especially a MacGregor — was likely to obtain 
equity, when opposed to a powerful duke who sup- 
ported the Whigs, whose government Rob abhorred 

— he resolved to set all law at defiance, and, like a 
true Scot of the olden time, to confide in his sword 
alone. 

In addition to the seizure of all he possessed on 
earth, the advertisements which appeared, again 
and again, in the columns of the Edinburgh Even- 
ing Courantj stung him to the soul ; for therein he 
was stigmatized as a fraudulent bankrupt, an out- 
law, and a robber, — as if it was sought to make 
him one, for the exprejs purpose of destroying him. 
One runs as follows : — 

“All magistrates and officers of his Majesty’s 
forces are entreated to seize upon Rob Roy, and 
the money which he carries with him, until the 
persons concerned in- the money may be heard 
against him ; and that notice be given, when he is 
apprehended, to the keepers of the. Exchange Cof- 
fee-house at Edinburgh, and the keeper of the Cof- 
fee-house at Glasgow, where the parties concerned 
will be advertised, and the seizers shall be very 


. DESOLATION. 


107 


reasonably rewarded for their pains.’^ — Edinburgh 
Courant, No. 1058. 

“ Now, Helen, said he, trampling the paper 
under foot, and then casting it into the bogwood 
fire that blazed on the floor of their cabin, by the 
soul of Ciar Mhor, our foes shall find that the days 
of Glenfruin are come again ! Henceforward, all 
is at an end between us and the Lowlanders, and 
we shall devote ourselves to war and death ! 

When Craigrostan, the last of his patrimony, was 
taken from him, MacGregor was so exasperated 
(to quote Browne’s ^‘Highland History”) ‘Hhat he 
declared perpetual war against the duke, and re- 
solved that in future he should supply himself with 
cattle from his grace’s estate, a resolution which he 
literally kept, and for thirty years he carried off 
the duke’s flocks with impunity, and disposed of 
them publicly in different parts of the country.” 

The historian adds that these cattle generally 
belonged to the duke’s tenants, who were thus 
-impoverished and unable to pay their rents. He 
also levied, at the point of the sword, contributions 
in meal and money, but never until it had first 
been delivered by the poor tenants to the duke’s 
storekeeper, to whom he always delivered a receipt 
for the quantity he carried off. At settling the 
money rents, he frequently attended with a strong 
.band of chosen men, and giving receipts in due 
form, pocketed the rents of Montrose, who soon 
began to repent, in bitterness, that he had ever 
molested Rob Roy. 


108 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XYI. 

ROB TAKES THE TOWER OF CARDEN. 

The hills abounded with red deer, the moors and 
forests with other game, — the lochs and rivers 
teemed with fish, — the pastures of the Grahames 
were full of cattle; thus, Rob and his outlawed 
followers lived sumptuously in their mountain fast- 
nesses, whither none, as yet, dared to follow them. 

Montrose and Killearn were, at that time, be- 
yond Rob’s reach ; so on Archibald Stirling, of Car- 
den, who had long withheld his tribute of black- 
mail for service and protection rendered, fell the 
first burst of his indignation. 

It was on a day in the harvest of 1710, that he 
marched about two hundred and fifty men, in hos- 
tile array, with pipes playing, through the parish 
of Kippen, after passing through the wild glens 
that lie at the feet of Benmore and Benledi. 

This force suddenly appeared before the castle 
of Carden, which stood on an eminence or island, 
formed by what was then a loch, but the bed of 
which is now a rich green meadow, and its name 
signifies Caer-dun,” or, the fort on the height. , 
No vestige of this castle remains now ; though so 
lately as 1760 a portion of the great tower was 
standing. 


ROB TAKES THE TOWER OF CARDEN. 109 


Archibald Stirling was a high cavalier, who, two 
years before, had been indicted for treason, for 
having drunk the health of James VIII. at the cross 
of Dunkeld, accompanied by the Stirlings of Keir 
and Kippendavie, while swords were flourished, 
trumpets sounded, and muskets fired. 

On the occasion of Rob’s visit, Stirling and his 
lady were both from home, with many of their 
servants. No inroad was expected from any quar- 
ter, and, as the drawbridge was down, the Mac- 
Gregors, who had been prepared to take the place 
by storm, quietly took possession of the gates, 
spread themselves over the whole house, and the 
contents of the cellars and pantries were quickly 
investigated. 

'When the family returned, about sunset, they 
found the gates shut, the bridge drawn up, and the 
windows and bartizan full of grim-looking Mac- 
Gregors, in their red tartans, and bristling with 
swords, axes, and long guns ; while Rob’s favorite 
piper, Alpine, strode to and fro on the roof, play- 
ing his invariable air of defiance, “ The Battle of 
Glenfruin.” 

Outwitted and alarmed, the laird tied a white 
handkerchief to, the point of his sword, and dis- 
mounting from the saddle, behind which his terri- 
fied lady rode upon a pillion, he advanced to the 
outer edge of the moat, and waved thrice his im- 
promptu flag of truce. On this the pibroch ceased, 
and Rob Roy, with bonnet and feather, broadsword 
and target, appeared at a window of the hall. 

What is the meaning of all this, MacGregor ? ” 


110 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


asked the laird, sternly ; “ wherefore do I find your 
people here, and my own gates shut against me ? ” 
Carden, remember the black-mail ! ” replied the 
outlaw, with equal sternness. You have long 
withheld the reward of that protection I once af- 
forded you *, and you must yield it -now or see your 
house burned to the ground-stone.^^ 

I will not yield you a shilling, — nay, not a far- 
thing of it. I am able to protect myself against all 
reivers and thieves whatsoever.’^ 

Our being in, and your being out, at present, 
cannot look very like it,” said MacGregor, laugh- 
ing ; “ and here shall we stay, Carden ” 

Till I rouse the Lennox on you, or get a party 
of troops from Dumbarton. Remember that Mac- 
DougaPs dragoons are lying at Kylsyth ! ” ex- 
claimed Carden, furiously, as he turned towards 
his horse. 

Hold ! ” cried Rob, sternly, and the appearance 
of MacAleister’s gun, levelled from the tower-head, 
made Carden pause ; then a scream burst from his 
wife, when perceiving that Rob held from the 
window their youngest child, which he had taken 
from the cradle, as she feared with some cruel 
intention, — perhaps to cast it into the lake ! Her 
husband had the same dread, for he grew deadly 
pale. 

MacGregor, hold ! ” he exclaimed ; “ hold, for 
Heaven’s sake, and spare my child ! ” 

Who spared mine, when you andTCillearn came 
like wolves in my absence, and made my household 
desolate ? Though my youngest-born was sick and 


ROB TAKES THE TOWER OP CARDEN. Ill 


ailing, you stood coldly by, while it and its mother 
were driven forth from my house at Inversnaid, 
like the dam and cubs of a wolf; so if I am the 
wretch that you and others seek to make me, 
wherefore should I not dash this youngling at your 
feet or cast it into the loch ? ” 

For a moment both father and mother were 
speechless with terror and anxiety; but Rob was 
too humane to torment them thus. He laughed, 
kissed, and toyed with the poor child, whose plump 
fingers played with his rough, red beard, and then 
he resigned it to the nurse, who was well-nigh 
scared out of her senses. 

MacGregor,’’ cried the Laird of Carden, ‘Gin- 
bar the gate and lower the bridge, and you shall 
have your black-mail, every penny, with all ar- 
rears.” 

“ ’Tis well, Carden ; now you speak like a reason- 
able man, and shall be alike welcome to your own 
roof-tree and to share with me a glass of wine from 
your own cellar. Admit the laird, Greumoch,” he 
added to that personage, who had charge of the 
bridge and gate. He then hurried down, and after 
courteously assisting the lady to alight from her 
pillion, he conducted her into the castle, where he 
soon received the tax, granted a receipt for it in 
legal form, and drawing off his men, marched under 
cloud of night, and with all speed, towards the 
mountains. 

Since the battle of Glenfruin, and its subsequent 
severities, the MacGregors had been a, scattered 
clan ; but they now began to flock to Rob Roy in 


112 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


such numbers that he soon found himself at the 
head of five hundred swordsmen. 

As the representative of Grleng}de, his influence 
over them was very great, and they all regarded 
him as the man ordained by Heaven to avenge 
their injuries on the Lowlanders ; for a wrong done 
to "on'e member of a clan was a wrong done to all, 
as they were all kinsmen, and related by blood. 

Habituated to war and the use of arms, to a love 
of each other and of their chief, a clan was endued 
with what an historian terms the two most active 
principles of human nature, — attachment to one^s 
friends and hatred of their enemies. 

Thus,” says Sir John Dalrymple, “ the humblest 
of a clan, knowing himself to be as well born as 
the head of it, revered in his chief his own honor ; 
loved in his clan his own blood ; complained not of 
the difference of station into which fortune had 
thrown him, and respected himself. The chief in 
return bestowed a protection founded equally on 
gratitude and the consciousness of his own interest. 
Hence the Highlanders, whom more savage nations 
called savage^ carried in the outward expression of 
their manners the politeness of courts without their 
vices, and in their bosoms the highest point, of 
honor without its follies.” * . 

Notwithstanding the reward offered for his ap- 
prehension, Rob Roy was often rash enough to 
venture from his fastness alone, and into the very 
territories of his enemies, for he had become openly 
an adherent of the exiled House of Stuart, and deep 

Memoirs of Great Britain.” 


ROB TAKES THE TOWER OF CARDEN. 


113 


schemes were on foot for maturing the plans of an 
insurrection j and the conduct of many of these in- 
trigues was committed to his care. 

On one of these missions he found himself belated 
one night near the village of Arnpryor, in the dis- 
trict of Kippen, to which he had paid more than 
one hostile visit, and where, consequently, he was 
exposed to many dangers. 

Nevertheless, he repaired to the village ale-house, 
and found a gentleman named Henry Cunninghame, 
the Laird of Boquhan, seated by the fire over a 
bottle of claret, which cost only tenpence per 
mutchkin, and was then a favorite beverage with 
all ranks in Scotland. He at once recognized Mac- 
^ Gregor, and they entered into conversation; but 
some^ remarks which he made, either on the affairs 
of the exiled king, or those of MacGregor, exasper- 
ated the latter, who sprang up with a hand on his 
sword, in token of defiance and quarrel. Boquhan 
was unarmed. MacGregor could have supplied 
him with pistol ; but being the challenged party he 
preferred the sword, in the use of which few in 
Scotland equalled and none excelled him. 

The good-wife of the tavern, fearing a brawl, 
averred that she had not a single weapon in her 
house ; so the laird despatched a messenger to his 
residence for a sword, which his wife refused to 
send him, knowing well it was required for a duel 
or a brawl ; so daylight broke and found them still 
loth to part in anger, and still waiting for a weapon. 

It chanced then that Boquhan espied an old and 
rusty rapier in a corner, which had hitherto escaped 


114 


THE ADYENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


his notice. He at once possessed himself of it; 
Rob unsheathed his claymore ; the tables and chairs 
were thrust aside, and the combat began with great 
fury. 

It is stated that MacGregor soon discovered that 
he had no ordinary antagonist in Henry Cunning- 
hame ; and having no particular animosity to him, 
and remembering, perhaps, how perilous to his own 
clan his death, or even a severe wound, would 
prove at that particular crisis, after a dozen passes 
or so, he lowered the point of his sword and said, — 
Enough of this, Boquhan ; I find you are brave 
as you are expert, and I yield to you.” So he 
sheathed his sword, and they parted good friends ; 
but Rob’s enemies in the Lennox magnified his 
prudence into a humihating defeat. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

THE JACOBITE BOND. 

Rob Roy and those who adhered to him found 
themselves tol^bly safe in the land of the Camp- 
bells, — the more so as his mother was a daughter 
of that powerful clan which had been at enmity 
with the house of Montrose since the wars of the 
Covenant, since the slaughter of the Campbells at 
Inverlochy by the Great Marquis, and since the in- 
vasion of Lorn by his cavaliers. Fortunately for 


THE JACOBITE BOND. 


115 


Rob Roy, the mutual hate between the Dukes of 
Argyll and Montrose was still as hot as ever. 

The death of Queen Anne and the accession of 
G-eorge I. soon brought political matters to a crisis 
in Scotland, where the Jacobites had remained 
quiet enough under the rule of a sovereign who 
was a Stuart, and under none else could the union 
of the two kingdoms ever have been achieved. 

But now, a rising for her brother to succ.eed as 
James VIII. of Scotland and III. of England was 
resolved on, and a great meeting of Jacobite lead- 
ers took place in Breadalbane. The better to mask 
their intentions from Government, it was entitled 
a hunting-match, though among the secluded hills 
of the Scottish Highlands such a precaution seemed 
somewhat unnecessary. 

The chiefs and chieftains — among the latter was 
Rob Roy — who assembled on the occasion, soon 
ascertained each other’s sentiments and the number 
of men they could bring into the field ; and ulterior 
plans were soon resolved upon, while a previously 
prepared hond^ for their mutual faith to each other 
and to the exiled king, was produced, and there- 
unto each man appended his signature. 

By some inexcusable neglect on the part of a 
gentleman who became its custodian, this impor- 
tant paper fell into the hands of Captain Campbell 
of Glenlyon (an officer whose name was unfortu- 
nately involved deeply in the Massacre of Glencoe), 
who was then stationed in the garrison of Fort 
William, near Lochiel. 

Glenlyon retained the bond, and finding that 


116 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


among the names appended thereto were those of 
many who were his own immediate friends and 
relations, he did not, for a time, mention its tenor 
or even its existence ; but the horror with which 
he was regarded in Scotland, as the., tool of King 
William in the midnight slaughter of the Mac- 
Donalds, had spread even among his own kinsmen ; 
and thus, when the Jacobite chiefs became aware 
that a man of a character so unscrupulous held a 
document that might give all their heads to the 
block and their estates to fire and sword, they 
became naturally anxious and alarmed, and a hun- 
dred futile plans were formed for its recovery or 
destruction. 

The Earl of Mar, the chief of the Jacobite lead- 
ers, turned to Kob Kpy, who, although he had 
affixed his name to the bond as ‘‘ Robert MacGregor 
of Inversnaid* and Craigrostan,’^ cared not a rush 
personally about the matter, as he despised alike 
the new king and his government ; but oh being 
urged by others, whose fortunes were less desper- 
ate, he resolved to undertake its recovery or perish 
in the attempt. 

To this he was urged by Sir James Livingstone, 
who had been despatched to him by the Earl of 
Mar, and wlio was the same gentleman he had 
wounded after the devastation of Kippen. 

Disguising himself, he relinquished the pictu- 
resque garb of the mountains for a rocquelaure, 
boots, and breeches, and rode to Fort William, 
which is a strongly-built and regular fortress, situ- 


THE JACOBITE BOND. 


117 


ated near the base of Ben Nevis, and at the extrem- 
ity of Lochiel. 

Notwithstanding the peril in which he placed 
himself, for the advertisements of the Courant ’’ 
still, from time to time, offered a reward for him 
dead or alive, Rob contrived, to pass the gates and 
sentinels unnoticed or unquestioned, and obtained 
an interview with Captain Campbell of Glenlyon,: 
who recognized him immediately, but dared neitlier 
to discover nor detain him, as Rob was a near rela- 
tion of his own. 

His visitor inquired about the bond which had 
been signed at the pretended hunting-match, and, 
to his ra§e and indignation, he discovered, after 
long evasion, that Glenlyon, in revenge for the con- 
temptuous manner in which he was spoken of by 
the Jacobites, had placed the document in the hands 
of the governor of the garrison ! 

The latter was Sir John Hill, a brave and resolute 
old Whig officer, who had been placed there so far 
back as the days of Charles II., and had retained 
his command during all the changes of the long 
and stormy period that intervened — in fact, strange 
as it may appear, he was one of the last soldiers of 
Oliver Cromwell. 

And so this bond, which binds so many of us 
in life and death to King James, is in possession 
of Colonel Hill?’^ said Rob, with visible uneasi- 
ness. 

^^Yes,’^ replied Glenlyon, with a malignant ex- 
pression in his light gray eyes ; and it shall be 
forwarded in due time to the Secretary of State 


118 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


for the information of his Majesty and the Privy 
Council.” 

“Humph — his. Majesty ! ” repeated Rob, with 
• scorn in his eye and tone ; “ will it be sent soon ? ” 

“Why do you ask, , my friend?” inquired the 
captain. 

“ Because,” replied Rob, with a smile, “ as my 
name is appended to it, I should like, with your 
leave, kinsman, to get a little further into the hills, 
as I know that the Lords of the Privy Council take 
some interest in my movements.” 

“ Kinsman RoId, situated as you and the Mac- 
Gregors are, it will not make much difference now. 
But in three days the bond will be sen^from this 
to the Governor of Dumbarton in charge of Captain 
Huske.” 

“ Does he belong to Argyle’s regiment ? ” 

“ No ; the South British Fusileers.” 

“ He will require a pretty strong party to march 
with through the glens.” 

“ He will have the usual escort,” replied Glen- 
lyon, carelessly ; for he did not remark the red 
flash of triumph that sparkled in the eyes of Rob 
Roy, as he took his leave, and lost no time in trav- 
elling over the mountains, and reaching his now 
humble home. 

Knowing that Captain Huske and his party must 
pass through the last-named valley, Rob summoned 
MacAleister, Greumoch, Alaster Roy, his oldest son 
Coll, — who could now shoulder a musket, and was 
a strong and active boy, — with fifty other Mac- 
Gregors, all men on whom he could depend, who 


THE JACOBITE BOND. 


119 


had been his comrades in every expedition of im- 
portance, and whom he knew would stand by him 
truly to the last of their blood and their breath; 
accompanied by these he took up a position in a 
place which commanded a view of the whole glen, 
and remained there night and day waiting for his 
prey. 

The gray smoke of the clachan of Killin was vis- 
ible in the distance from Rob’s bivouac ; and on 
the other hand lay Loch Dochart, amid whose 
lonely waters the scawp-duck, the water-rail, and 
the ring-ouzel float, and where the long-legged 
heron wades in search of the spotted trout. 

Moated by these waters is an isle containing the 
ruins of a “castle, the ancient residence of the 
knights of Lochawe. Masses, of trees almost 
shroud it now ; but once, in the days of its strength 
and pride, it was stormed by the MacGregors dur- 
ing a moonlight night, in a keen and frosty winter, 
when the loch was sheeted with ice. Constructing 
large fascines of timber to shield them from arrows 
and other missiles, they pushed those screens be- 
fore them, and on reaching the outer wall, soon 
became masters of the place. 

There, too, is a floating isle, formed by the inter- 
twisting of roots and water-plants. Often it is seen 
to float like a ship before the wind, with the bewil- 
dered cattle which have ventured on it from the 
shore, for its grass is rich and verdant. 

With tales of past achievements and songs, pass- 
ing the whiskey-bottle round the while, Rob and 
his followers saw the third day drawing to a close. 


120 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


before Alaster Roy, who had been scouting down 
the glen, came in haste to announce that a red 
Englisli soldier was in sight ! This proved to be 
the advanced file of Captain Huske’s party. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE DESPATCHES CAPTURED. 

The sumtnits of the hills, behind which the sun 
was setting, were dark and sombre, while a ruddy 
purple hue tinged those on which his light was. 
falling. 

Concealing themselves among some tufts of high 
fern and dwarf alder trees, the MacGregors watched 
the advance of those whom they deemed the chief 
tools of their tormentors — the unsuspecting sol- 
diers of the line. 

The brightly-burnished musket-barrels of the men, 
and the pikes then carried by the officer and his 
sergeant, were seen to flash and glitter as they ad- 
vanced through the deep hollow, along which the 
narrow foot-track wound; and soon the bright red 
of their square-skirted coats and their white cross- 
belts, breeches, and gaiters appeared in strong re- 
lief upon the dun heather of the glen. 

Rob counted that there was an officer, a sergeant, 
and twenty rank and file. From his ambush he 
could with ease have shot down the whole party. 


THE DESPATCHES CAPTURED. 121 

had he been cruelly disposed ; but, that even his 
enemies might not be taken unprepared, he ordered 
young Coll, MacAleister, and the rest to keep out 
of sight, but to start up at a given signal; and then, 
rising from his hiding-place, he advanced alone to- 
wards the marching soldiers. 

The appearance of a fully-armed Highlander, with 
sword, dirk, pistols, and target, excited no comment 
then; for, on Hob drawing ‘near, the officer coldly 
returned his salute, and the sergeant inquired ^^how 
far it was from thence to the head of Loch Lo- 
mond ? ’’ 

About twenty miffis, if you pass through Glen- 
flilloch.’’ The soldiers, who were a mixed party of 
the 15th Foot and the South British Fusileers, mut- 
tered something which sounded very like oaths. 
In those days an officer’s escort accompanied every 
Government letter or message through the High- 
lands, as smaller parties were liable to be cut off. 

It will be mirk midnight before you get half 
way through the glen,” resumed Bob, with a mock- 
ing smile ; and people say that Glenfalloch is 
haunted.” 

By what ? ” asked the officer, who wore a Eam- 
illie wig, a three-cornered hat, and red rocquelaure. 

Spirits.” 

Indeed — whiskey, I suppose?” said the ser- 
geant, laughing. 

“ Loud voices are heard talking in the air over- 
head, when nothing can be seen but the sailing 
clouds.” 

“ Voices ! ” exclaimed Captain Huske. 


122 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Yes, as if one hill-top was talking to the other.’^ 
“ Bah ! I can bid our drummer beat the ‘ Point 
of War.^ I warrant hedl scare away all your High- 
land goblins, even Bob Roy himself, who I wish 
was as near me as you are.’^ 

You have had him near enough once before,’^ 
said MacGregor, gravely, as he suddenly recog- 
nized the officer, though some time had elapsed 
since they last met. 

Ilah — when ? 

In Mofiatdale, where he gave you a lesson in 
humanity, and in good manners, too.’’ 

Zounds, sirrah, what do you mean?” asked 
Captain Huske, cocking his hat fiercely over his 
right eye, and stepping forward a pace. 

Simply, that he ran you through the body, as 
he is quite prepared to do again, if you do not in- 
stantly yield up your packet of despatches ! ” 

The officer sprang back, threw off his rocquelaure, 
and brought his pike to the charge ; Bob parried 
the thrust by his claymore, but he uttered a shrill 
whistle on seeing the soldiers fixing their bayonets 
and cocking their muskets. 

Shoot down the Highland dog ! ” cried Captain 
Huske, choking with passion ; but his soldiers 
paused, for a yell now pierced the welkin, and fifty 
MacGregors, armed with sword and target, and 
each with a badge of his forbidden clan in his bon- 
net — a sprig of the mountain pine — rushed down 
with a shout of Ard choille ! ard choille ! ’Srio- 
ghal mo dhream ! ” Perceiving that he was out- 
numbered, the officer withdrew his pike, and by 


THE DESPATCHES CAPTURED. 


123 


outstretched sword-arm Rob kept back his own 
people, who glared over their shields at the unfor- 
tunate party of soldiers, who thought their doom 
was sealed, and that a hopeless and bloody strug- 
gle was about to ensue. 

^^Are you all robbers?” asked the officer, fiercely. 

“No morS than your citizens of London or Car- 
lisle may be,” replied MacGregor. “ You might be 
shot by a cowardly footpad on Hounslow Heath — 
ay, or London Bridge, or in the High Street of 
Edinburgh; but who there would stop a band of 
armed soldiers as I this day stop you ? Here, in 
front of your men, sir, I will fight you, with sword 
and pistol, or with sword and dirk; whicheveiP- 
please you.” 

‘^Neither please me — I am a king^s officer, and 
may not risk my life, like a roadside bully, thus,” 
said the captain, haughtily. “ Am I right in sup- 
posing that you are the outlaw, Rob Roy, for whose 
capture a high reward is offered ? ” 

“ You are right ; I am the Laird of Inversnaid, 
and instantly require your despatches.” 

“ For what purpose ? ” 

“The service of his Majesty, King James VIII., 
whom God preserve ! ” replied MacGregor, lifting 
his bonnet with reverence. 

“ I must either give up my life and the de- 
spatches together, or the despatches alone,” said 
the officer, bewildered and exasperated. 

“ What you may do is nothing to me.” 

“ But there is one of vast importance.” 

* “ The very one I wish, captain ; so surrender it 


124 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


at once, or I shall cut you and your men into col- 
lops for the fox and the raven.” Captain Huske 
opened the breast-pocket of his regimentals, and 
unwillingly gave to Rob a large sealed packet, ad- 
dressed To the most noble Prince, James, Duke 
of Montrose, Secretary of State for Scotland. On 
his Majesty’s service.” 

Rob’s eyes sparkled with resentment on seeing 
the name of his enemy ; but he tore open the en- 
velope, and taking out the well-known bond of the 
Highland chiefs, restored the packet to the English 
officer. 

He then offered him and his men a dram each, 
and marched off into the darkening mountains, 
leaving the captain to proceed towards Dumbarton, 
or to return to Colonel Hill at Fort William, which- 
ever suited his orders or his fancy. 

By this bold exploit Rob preserved secret the 
plans of the forthcoming insurrection, and saved 
from the scaffold, captivity, or exile, many brave 
nobles and gentlemen, whom otherwise the merci- 
less Government of George I. would have seized 
and destroyed in detail. 


ABERUCHAIL. 


125 


CHAPTER XIX. 

ABERUCHAIL. 

Prior to the great Rising of the Clans in 1715, 
Rob Roy was engaged as usual in several small 
skirmishes and frays, in which his skill and strategy 
as a leader were prominent; and he gained yet 
more the reputation of being the protector of the 
poor against the righ, and of the defenceless against 
those who would oppress them. 

In spite of the Duke of Montrose, he had rees- 
tablished himself again at Craigrostan, from whence 
he never went abroad attended by less than twenty 
or thirty well-armed men, including his henchman 
and Greumoch. 

These were his Leine CJirios, or body-guard. 

Some of the Grahames of Montrose, and others 
who were obnoxious to himself or to the cause of 
the exiled king, he confined occasionally in d, place 
which is still named Rob Roy^s prison. 

This is a mural rock, the eyry of the osprey or 
water-eagle, which rises to the height of thirty feet 
on the northeastern shore of Loch Lomond, about 
four miles from Rowardennan. 

Slung by ropes, he occasionally lowered them 
from the summit, and after permitting them to 
swing in mid-air for a time, would give them a 


126 


THE ADVENTUEES OP ROB ROY. 


severe ducking in the loch below and compel them 
to shout — 

God save King James 

They were then permitted to depart amid the 
laughter of his followers ; and, it must be borne in 
mind, that this was very gentle treatment when 
compared with that to which- the MacGregors were 
subjected when captured by the same people. 

As the old Highland proprietors or heads of septs 
held their lands in virtue of an occupancy coeval 
with the first settlement of the tribes in Scotland, 
and consequently disdained to hold possession by 
virtue of a sheepskin rather than by their sword- 
blades, in later years, a system ^f suppressing the 
smaller lairds by force of arms had long been pur- 
sued with success by the house of Argyle in the 
west. 

A powerful land-owner of that name, who had 
recently been created a baronet, seized at the point 
of the sword a small estate in Glen^chart, and ex- . 
pelled the proprietor with all his family and kin- 
dred. 

MacGregor, who could not permit an act of such 
injustice to pass unpunished, sent Greumoch with 
forty men to the Braes of Glenorchy, with orders 
to bring this oppressor of the poor a prisoner 
before him.” 

It was in the sweet season of spring, when the 
lapwing came to the bowers of silver birch, and 
the green plover winged its way over the purple 
heather, when the MacGregors departed on this 
expedition ; and, being aware of the place and time 


ABERUCHAIL. 


127 


when their prey would probably pass, they con- 
cealed themselves among the bleak granite rocks 
of Ben Cruachin, a vast mountain, the red furrowed 
sides of which — furrowed by a thousand water- 
courses — rise above Loch Awe, and terminate in 
a sharp cone. 

Here stood the wall of a ruined chapel, founded 
of old by a MacGregor chief, and through it a well, 
deemed holy, flowed into a stone basin, under an old 
yew-tree. To the stem was chained an iron ladle, 
by which the thirsty pilgrim or wayfarer might 
drink, and at the bottom of the basin lay little cop- 
per Scottish coins which had been dropped therein 
as offerings, while knots of ribbons, rags, and trifles, 
decorated the boughs of the aged yew. 

A place of good omen ! ” said Greumoch, look- 
ing around him ; for here it was that Clan Alpine 
won the lands of Glenorchy, when there were no 
paper courts in Dunedin, or redcoats in Dumbar- 
ton.^’ 

It chanced that on a day in summer. King David 
I., of Scotland, was hunting with Malcolm Mac- 
Gregor, the eighth chief of Clan Alpine, on the 
side of Ci’uachin, when a wild boar, of marvellous 
strength, size, and ferocity, appeared in a rugged 
defile. It at once assailed the monarch, whose 
hunting-spear broke, and left him at its mercy; 
but, instead of rushing forward, the boar retired to 
whet its tusks against the rocks, so Malcolm craved 
the king’s permission to attack it. 

E’en do,” said the king ; but spaire nocht ! ” 
Eadlion dean agus na caomliain!^^ shouted 


128 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


MacGregor, translating the king^s lowland Scot- 
tish into Gaelic, as he tore up a young tree by the 
roots, and kept the boar at bay until he could close 
with it, and bury his long dagger in its throat. At 
the third stab he slew it. 

To reward his courage, David granted him the 
lands of Glenorchy, and, in remembrance of the 
day, added to his arms argenty an oak-tree uprooted 
verty across a claymore azurCy which every Mac- 
Gregor may bear to this day. 

But now the Campbells were lords of Glenorchy, 
and just as Greumoch had ended this legend of the 
clan, which no doubt all his hearers knew before, 
the great personage they were in search of rode 
into the defile, when he was surrounded, and his 
retainers were scattered in a moment. 

On finding himself a prisoner, and knowing well 
to whom, the baronet proposed a ransom ; but 
bribes were offered and threats uttered in vain to 
Greumoch, who ordered the prisoner to be tied up 
in a long plaid, which was slung over the shoulders 
of Alaster Roy and another tail gilly ; and thus by 
turns, with two bearers at a time, he was conveyed 
for about fourteen miles to a place called Tyndrum, 
where he was brought before Rob Roy. 

This village is at the head of Strathfillan in 
Breadalbane, on the western military road. 

Rob upbraided the prisoner with his cruelty and 
oppression, and threatened to toss him over the 
rock into Loch Lomond, with a stone in his plaid, 
if he did not restore the lands in Glendochart to 
their original owner. 


ABERUCIIAIL. 


129 


Paper was produced, a document was drawn up 
and signed, by the tenor of which he and his heirs 
renounced them formally and forever. 

He now hoped to be allowed to depart; but there # 
arose a cry of, — 

To the well ! to the well ! give him a dip in the 
Holy Pool of St. Fillan ! ” 

It was Paul Crubach who spoke. 

Be it so,^’ said Rob ; if the water has not lost 
its virtue, a dip therein may improve the Camp- 
bell’s spirit of honor, and prevent him from robbing 
the poor again.” 

In spite of his earnest entreaties, the MacGreg- 
ors bore their prisoner, who feared they were about 
to drown him, to the well of St. Fillan. The whole 
population of the village followed, and lame Paul 
hobbled in front, chuckling and laughing, while his 
eyes flaslied with insane delight, his long, grizzled 
hair streaming in elf-locks on the wind, as with one' 
hand he brandished his Avooden cross, and with the 
other tolled vehemently the ancient bell of St. Fil- 
lan, which in those days always stood upon a grave- 
stone in the churchyard. 

After permitting his men to duck the prisoner 
soundly, Rob procured a horse, and sent him home- 
ward with a safe escort under his son Coll; but 
though these indignities were too great to be for- 
gotten, in followers Rob was too strong now to be 
captured, even by the Campbells of Argyle. 

For the forthcoming revolt money was requisite, 
and Campbell of Aberuchail, taking advantage of 
Rob Roy’s outlawry, had long withheld his tribute 

9 


130 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


of black-mail, so, before returning to Craigrostan, 
our hero resolved on levying it, and marching from 
Tyndrum at the head of his followers, appeared 
before the mansion of Aberuchail, the proprietors 
of which had been baronets since 1627. 

Having heard that the MacGregors had been 
seen in motion in the neighborhood, all the cattle 
had been hastily collected in a dense herd within 
the outer walls of Aberuchail tower, around which 
there grew a fine wood of oak-trees that for ages 
had cast their shadows on the Ruchail, which means 
the red^stream. 

A strong gate, loopholed for musketry, and sur- 
mounted by a coat of arms, with the motto, Vio 
toriain coronal Christus, was closed and secured 
as the MacGregors approached, and all was still 
within, save the lowing and bellowing of the cattle, 
so closely penned within the barbican. 

Rob Roy thundered with his sword-hilt on the 
outer gate, in which an eyelet-hole was opened, and 
thereat the porter’s face appeared, with an expres- 
sion of anxiety and alarm, which was no way les- 
sened when he found himself front to front with 
the keen eyes, the ruddy beard, and sunburned 
visage of the Red MacGregor, whom he knew 
instinctively. 

^^'Is the laird at home ? ” asked the resolute vis- 
itor. 

Yes,” stammered the gate-ward. 

‘^Why does he not come in person when he 
knows who are liere ? ” was the haughty query. 

He is at dinner.” 


ABERUCHAIL. 


131 


What ! Is this Highland manners, to close your 
gates at meal-time, when other men open theirs 
wide, that all men may enter ? Is this the way 
your master rewards those who protect him from 
thieving MacNabs, and broken men of the Len- 
nox ? ’’ 

Sir James Livingstone, Sir Humphrey of Luss, 
and several gentlemen are at dinner with him, and 
I dare not disturb them,’^ urged the porter, whose 
orders were to keep out Rob at all hazards. 

Gentlemen ! ’’ repeated Rob. Whigs, proba- 
bly, plotting treason against King James. Tell 
your master that the Red MacGregor of Invers- 
naid is here, without, where it is not his wont to 
be kept, awaiting his arrears of black-mail, and that 
he shall see him, even if the King of Scotland and 
the Hanoverian Elector, too, were at table with 
him ! ” 

After a time, the gate-ward returned, trembling, 
'to say that his master knew no such person as 
either the King, the Elector, or the Laird of In- 
versnaid.’’ 

“By the grave of Cior Mhor, Aberuchail shall 
repent of this false whiggery ! ” exclaimed Rob, as 
he took a horn from his belt, and blew a blast so 
loud and shrill that the whole house and the woods 
around it rang with echoes. 

Then anew the cattle bellowed, and the porter 
shut the eye-hole and fled, lest he might be pis- 
tolled. 

Four pipers now struck up the “ Battle of Glen- 
fruin ; ” the MacGregors uttered a shout, and, as- 


132 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


sailing the gate, soon forced it ; for the dacli mart 
— the putting-stone of strength — which lay beside 
it, was dashed like a cannon-ball upon its planks 
by the most powerful of the band, till the barrier 
crumbled to pieces before them ; after which they 
proceeded with drawn swords to goad and drive 
off the cattle. 

On this, the baronet of Aberuchail came hastily 
to the door of the tower, and, taking Rob Roy by 
the hand, made many apologies for what he alleged 
to be the stupidity of the porter, and led his unwel- 
come visitor into the house, where, however, neither 
Livingstone nor Luss appeared. 

Then he handed him the “ black-maiy^ for which 
MacGrregoi? gave his receipt ; they drank a bottle 
of claret together, and separated, to all appearance, 
good friends. The cattle were all left in the parks, 
and the MacGregors marched back to Craigrostan. 

But does it not seem strange that when Pope 
was writing at Twickenham, when Addison and. 
Steele were contributing to the Spectator, and 
when Betterton was acting at Old Drury Lane, this 
wild work was being done among the Highland 
hills ^ 


ROB ROY RETREATS. 


133 


CHAPTER XX. 

ROB ROY RETREATS. 

In January, 1714, Rob commanded 500 men 
among the gathering of 2,000 Highlanders who, on 
the 28th of that month, fully armed on all points, 
attended. the great funeral of Campbell of Loch- 
nell. At their head was a pair of standards, be- 
longing to the Earl of Breadalbane, preceded by 
thirteen pipers ; for, in fact, this great Celtic funer- 
al was in reality a Jacobite meeting, — the dead 
body having been kept unburied for nearly a month 
that an assemblage of Cavalier chiefs might take 
place, to consider and arrange, during the march 
to the interment and the feast that followed it, the 
measures to be taken for a rising in favor of the 
Stuarts. 

After maintaining, as already related, a vexa- 
tious predatory warfare against Montrose, who 
long since repented bitterly his injustice to the 
unfortunate Rob Roy, the MacGregors assembled 
in such numbers under the latter that they began 
to threaten the Western Lowlands, towards the 
lower end of Loch Lomond, from whence, march- 
ing into Monteith and the Lennox, they disarmed 
all whom their leader deemed inimical to the cause 
of James VIII. 


134 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


To have complete command of the great sheet 
of water which lay before his rocky home, Rob 
seized every boat upon it, and had them drawn 
overland to Inversnaid,~for the purpose of attack- 
ing or cutting off a strong body of West country 
Whigs, who were in arms for King George, and 
who were marching towards Loch Lomond ; for so 
greatly were the operations of Rob dreaded that 
the people of Dumbarton supposed he might come 
upon them in the night to storm the castle and 
plunder the town. 

Exasperated on finding that he had pounced on 
all their boats, the Whigs resolved to make a bold 
dash for their recovery. 

The volunteers of Paisley, Renfrew, and Kilmar- 
nock were mustered and armed from the Royal 
Arsenal in the castle of Dumbarton. A body of 
seamen from the ships of war then lying in the 
Clyde towed them up the river in long-boats and 
launches, and on entering Loch Lomond the whole 
force proceeded by land and water against Rob 
Roy and the MacGregors. 

These forces acted under the orders of Lieuten- 
ant-General Lord Cadogan, colonel of the 4th Foot, 
who had arrived that year in Scotland. At night 
they halted at Luss, the stronghold of the Colqu- 
houns, the hereditary foemen of Clan Alpine, 
where they were joined by Sir Humphrey Colqu- 
houn, chief of his name (and fifth in succession of 
him who fled from Glenfruin), with his son-in-law, 
James Grant of Pluscardine, who brought some 
forty or fifty men of his clan — stately fellows,’’ 


ROB ROY RETREATS. 


135 


says Rae, in his history of the affair, in their short 
hose and belted plaids {i. e. kilts), armed each with 
a well-fixed gun on his shoulder, a handsome target 
with a sharp-pointed steel about half an ell in 
length screwed into the navel of it, slung on his 
left arm, a sturdy claymore by his side, and a pis- 
tol or two with'a dirk and a knife in his belt.” 

The man-of-war boats, which were armed with 
brass swivel-guns, took all on board, and then they 
crossed the loch. 

From the high land above Craigrostan Mac- 
Gregor saw the advance of this force, which was 
too strong for him to contend against alone ; and a 
stirring sight it must have been, on that beautiful 
sheet of water, — the large boats, full of men in gay 
scarlet uniforms, their bright arms flashing in the 
sun ; and it would seem, that thinking to scare the 
Highlanders, they beat incessantly on their drums, 
while the seamen maintained a constant discharge 
from their swivel guns, the reports of which were 
multiplied among the steep mountains by a thou- 
sand echoes, as the whole expedition swept in shore 
towards Craigrostan. 

Rob and his men, who were concealed among 
the rocks, the heather, and tall braken, high up 
on the mountain-slope, could scarcely be restrained 
from rushing to the beach and making an attack 
when they saw the family banner of Sir Humphry 
a saltire engrailed sable, crested with a red hart’s 
head, and his followers in their tartan, which is 
blue striped with red; and each man wore the 
badge of his name, a tuft of bear-berry in his bonnet. 


136 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


The union-jack that floated in the stern of each 
boat seemed but a foreign flag to MacGregor, for 
never had it waved on those waters before, and 
the red-coated volunteers he viewed simply as 
invaders and enemies ; yet their strength was too 
great for him to hope a victory if he opposed them. 

“ Oich, oich ! muttered MacAleister, and others, 
as James Grant’s boats, with his men in red tar- 
tans, appeared ; “ here comes Pluscardine and his 
kail-eatery ” — for being the people who first culti- 
vated that vegetable in the north, they were named 
the kail-eating Grants.” 

As the men began to leap ashore, with fixed 
bayonets, and form into companies, young Coll 
MacGregor could no longer restrain his ardor and 
impatience, and levelled his gun over the rocks, 
crying, — 

A nis ! a nis ! a nis! ” (now, now, now !) E’en 
do and spaire nocht ! ” 

Hold, son of mine ! ” exclaimed his father, 
grasping his arm like a vice; ^‘boy, would you 
destroy us all, and, it may be, with us King James’s 
cause too ? Let us await our time, and be assured 
it will come -anon.” 

And so, seeing that a conflict would be useless, 
he prudently drew off his men to Strathfillan, where 
the Jacobite clans were forming a camp prior to 
their joining the Earl of Mar ; while the invaders 
of Craigrostan committed to the flames several 
thatched dwelling-houses, and the smoke of the 
conflagration, as it rolled along the mountain-slopes, 
added to the wrath and mortification of Rob and 


JOINS KING JAMES. 


137 


his men, as they retreated up the side of Loch 
Lomond. 

While one party of volunteers pushed on the 
work of destruction, others searched for the miss- 
ing boats, which they found far inland, at Invers- 
naid, and drew from thence to the water. Those 
which were useless they staved, or sunk. The 
rest were all conveyed to Dumbarton, where they 
were safely moored under the guns of the castle. 
And so ended the first expedition against Rob Roy, 
a history of which — as if it had been a campaign 
in a foreign land — was published soon after, in 
the form -of a pamphlet. 

Summonses were now issued by Government to 
all nobles and gentlemen, either in arms or who 
were suspected of being about to arm, including 
John, Earl of Mar, and fifty-two others, one of 
whom is designated as Robert Roy, alias Mac- 
Gregor.” 


CHAPTER XXI. 

JOINS KING JAMES. 

The brave Earl of Mar had now unfurled the 
standard of the exiled king at Braemar,'as Lieu- 
tenant-General of his forces, and after sending the 
cross of 'fire ” through the Highlands, in a few 
days he found himself at the head of ten thousand 
men, and half the peers of Scotland, with all those 


138 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


chiefs and gentlemen who had signed the Bond of 
Unionj which Rob Roy had so luckily taken from 
Captain Huske, in Clendo chart. 

Mar’s standard was of blue silk; it bore a thistle 
and the words No Union. 

The Duke of Argyle, anxious to evince his 
attachment to the House of Hanover, hastened 
from London, to put himself at Ihe head of his 
own clan, tenants, and vassals, and all the troops 
then in Scotland, — and a motley force they were, 
English, Dutch, Switzers, and Lowland volunteers. 

That branch of the Clan Alpine which is named 
the race of Dugald Ciar Mhor, was not commanded 
by Rob Roy at this momentous crisis, but by his 
young nephew, Gregor MacGregor, of Glengyle, 
who was lineal head of the house. Thus Rob 
served under him. Glengyle is best remembered 
in Scotland by his patronymic of Glun Dhu^ or 
Black-knee,” from the remarkable spot, which his 
kilt rendered visible on his left knee. 

He was but a youth when the insurrection of 
1715 took place, so there can be little doubt that, 
on most occasions, he would act under the eye and 
advice of a captain so skilful and bold as his uncle. 

On the latter joining the insurgent camp in 
Braemar, he was at once despatched by the earl to 
Aberdeen, to raise in arms the descendants of 300 
MacGregors, who had been forcibly conveyed there 
in 1624 by James Stewart, Earl of Murray, to fight 
in the feuds in which he became involved with the 
Grants, Macintoshes, and others. In this mission 
Rob was pretty successful, for the popularity of his 


JOINS KING JAMES. 


139 


name, among his own clan and others, made him an 
excellent recruiting officer at this crisis; and so 
little did he value the Whig Government and their 
proclamations that he walked openly about the 
streets of the Granite City, and on more than one 
occasion dined with Professor James Gregory, who 
was by descent a MacGregor, but had thus altered 
his name to elude the Act which proscribed it. 

He joined the Earl of Mar in time to be present 
with his clan at the great battle of Sheriffmuir, 
where the insurgents met the king’s forces led by 
the Duke of Argyle, who was’ then lieutenant- 
general, knight of the garter, and commander-in- 
chief of the troops in Scotland. 

It is no part of our plan to give any history of that 
indecisive battle, which was severe and bloody to 
both parties. Both armies wheeled upon their 
centres, and each routed the other’s left wing, so 
that it is impossible to say with whom lay the vic- 
tory. 

On that day Bob Roy, who commanded a body 
of MacGregors and MacPhersons, was accused of 
unwillingness to engage. His enemies went further, 
and asserted that, not wishing to offend his patrons, 
the powerful Duke of Argyle and Earl of Breadal- 
bane, save for whom he would have been crushed 
(long ago by the Duke of Montrose, he remained 
^almost aloof from the action. Lack of interest in 
King James’s cause, or lack of courage, could not 
be laid to his charge; yet on this great day the 
conduct of Rob Roy was incomprehensible. 

Scott relates, in his History, that when ordered 


140 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


to charge by one of Mar’s aides-de-camp, he re- 
plied, — 

If the earl cannot win the field without me now, 
he cannot win it with me.” 

From this it may be supposed that he considered 
the decisive moment past, and wished to spare his 
men ; but, it is said, that on hearing this answer, a 
brave man of the Clan Vurich, named Alaster Mac- 
Pherson, cast his plaid on the ground, drew his 
claymore, and called to the MacPhersons, — 

Advance — advance ! — follow me I ” 

‘‘ Halt, Alaster/’ said Pob, interposing ; “ were 
this a question about a drove of sheep you might 
know something ; but as the matter concerns the 
leading of armed men, you musf allow me to 
judge.” 

Were the question about the foraying of a 
drove of Glen Eigas stots, the question with you, 
Eob, would not be who should be last, but who 
should be Jirst,” was the stinging retort of Mac- 
Pherson. 

This nearly produced a quarrel between them ; 
already their brows were knitted and their swords 
menaced each other, even while shells were burst- 
ing and shot of every kind were tearing up the 
turf about them ; but finding the inexpedience of 
coming to blows when under the fire of an enemy, 
they gave each a grim smile, and exchanged their 
snuff-mulls in token of amity, yet many of their 
men now joined the MacLeans, who at this moment 
'made a tremendous charge upon the regulars. 

The appearance of this clan in the field, number- 


JOINS KING JAMES. 


141 


ing 800 swordsmen, is a memorable instance of the 
power of the patriarchal system over the feudal. 

The chief had lived for years a banished loyalist 
in France, and their lands in Mull had been gifted 
to the House of Argyle ; yet, in opposition to the 
latter, the whole fighting force of the clan were in 
the field against the duke, their legal landlord, and 
under their long-exiled chief, the venerable Sir 
J ohn MacLean, fought valiantly. 

With the best born, the best armed, and the 
bravest of the Clan Gillian in front, he led them on 
three ranks deep. 

Gentlemen,’’ he exclaimed, this is the day we 
have long wished for. Yonder stands Argyle for 
King George ; here stands MacLean for King 
James! God bless him! Charge, gentlemen, 
charge ! ” 

And with a wild yell, in which their pibroch 
mingled, the clan rushed on, and the levelled bay- 
onets of the soldiers of the line went down before 
their whirling swords, like straw before the 
flames. 

At that moment, through the smoke of the action 
there rushed an English officer towards the Mac- 
Gregor’s line. His sword was broken in his hand, 
and left him at the mercy of a gigantic Highlander, 
who pursued him with a tuagh, or Lochaber axe. 
He was bareheaded also, having lost his hat. 

A stone caught the foot of this fugitive, who fell 
almost at the feet of Rob Roy. With* a shout of 
triumph the fierce pursuer uplifted his axe, and 
was about to cleave the defenceless head of the 


142 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

Englishman, when the stroke was arrested by the 
interposed shield of MacGregor. 

The^ man with the axe uttered a hoarse Gaelic 
oath, and turned fiercely on the intercessor ; but 
each drew back with an emotion of surprise that 
seemed quite mutual. 

He was Duncan nan Creagh, the tall MacRae, 
from Kintail na Bogh, whom Rob believed he had 
killed on the hills of Glenorchy, and who, on find- 
ing himself now among the MacGregors, uttered a 
shout of “ Righ Hamish gu bragh ! ” and rushed 
amid the smoke and carnage to rejoin the fierce 
MacRaes, who, sword in hand, with the caber-feidh, 
or banner of Seaforth, flying over them, flung 
themselves in headlong charge upon the Swiss 
battalion of Brigadier Grant, and hewed a long 
and terrible pathway through it. 

Rob now lifted up the man he had saved, and to 
his astonishment found him to be Captain Huske, 
the same officer whom he had last met in Glendo- 
chart ; so he sent him to the rear, a prisoner, in 
charge of his son Coll, from whom the captain was 
retaken a few minutes after by a detachment of 
Captain MacDougal’s dragoons. 

This confused battle of Sherifiinuir, or Slia Thir- 
ra, as the Celts name it, was claimed by both par- 
ties as a victory ; but Mar found himself compel- 
led to retire towards Perth, and to Rob Roy was 
assigned the onerous task of guiding his army 
through the deep and treacherous Fords of Frew, 
when they crossed the river Forth. 

For a time after this battle Rob and his Mac- 


JOINS KING JAMES. 


143 


Gregors garrisoned the fine old royal palace of 
Falkland, which lies at the foot of the Lomond hills, 
and the memory of that occupation still lingers in 
Fifeshire ; for they harried the pharisaical Whigs 
to some purpose, laying the whole country under 
military contribution for miles around the palace, 
from which they retired at last with considerable 
booty, and after a sojourn of several weeks of jol- 
lity and ease. 

Their shoes being much worn by marching, 
they did not scruple to strip the feet of any civic 
and clerical functionaries with whom they chanced 
to meet, and whom they consoled with the jocular, 
assurance that his gracious majesty James VIII. 
would be happy to afford them full compensation.^^ 
As the honor and advantage of the battle re- 
mained with Argyle, and as Mar’s unpaid army 
began to disperse from want of food and subsist- 
ence, the insurrection soon came to an end, and 
the Government acted with a merciless barbarity 
upon the fallen. Their severity was worthy of the 
orientals alone, and in the hearts of the Highlajid 
youth a hatred was instilled that found a terrible 
vent in the future rising of 1745. 

It was on the Lowland lords, however, that the 
hands of the Ministry fell most heavily ; for, by re- 
treating into their mountain fastnesses, the High- 
landers defied as yet all efforts at coercion. 

The following story is told of Duncaji nan Creagh 
a short time after the battle of Sheriffmuir. 

A tall and powerful Highlander, who had brought 
a drove of cattle into the south Lowlands, sought a 


144 


THE ADVEKTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


night’s shelter at the house of Captain MacDougal, 
who, as we have stated, commanded a troop of 
horse in that field. 

The captain asked his Higliland guest from what 
part of the north he came ? 

Kintail na Bogh,” replied the other, with some 
reserve. 

“ Know you a place called Corrie Choing ? ” 

“ I do, captain; but why do you ask? ” 

I will tell you,” replied the officer ; “ after the 
battle, accompanied by two of the best men of my 
troop, I overtook a strong and athletic Highlander 
who by the blood on his tartans and the white rose 
in his bonnet, had evidently stood by King James 
on that unhappy day. As we came up at a canter 
he took off his plaid, folded it with great delibera- 
tion, placed it on the ground, and then he stood 
upon it to give him firmer footing. I was anxious 
to take this man prisoner, so we three rode round 
him in a circle, with our swords brandished ; but 
one who unfortunately and unwisely ventured 
within reach of the clansman’s sword, was cloven 
through his grenadier cap, and slain. He slew the 
other, on which, sooth to say, I thought he had 
fairly earned his life and liberty, and so left him 
to his fate, simply asking him his name, and saying 
that he was a brave fellow. ‘I am from Corrie 
Choing,’ said he ; ^ but my name I may not tell 
you.’ ” _ 

know him well, captain,” said the drover; 
^^we call him Duncan Mhor nan Creagh.” 

The wars are over now, thank Heaven, and I 


WILL HE ESCAPE? 


169 


est, £958. 18s. There is much possible reason to 
believe ^that it would have been a much more 
advantageous, as Avell as humane arrangement, for 
the public to have allowed these twelve miles of 
Highland mountains to remain in the hands of 
their former owner.’^ 

In the close of the year he went with Greumoch, 
MacAleister, and a few other followers, to the ducal 
castle, of Iiiverary, and there afiected to submit to 
the Government, by delivering some forty or fifty 
swords and pistols to his remote kinsman. Colonel 
Patrick Campbell, of Finab, from whom he obtained 
a signed protection. After this act, which was 
performed merely to gain time, he could not be 
molested by the troops or civil authorities. 

But he returned to Breadalbane more than ever 
determined to exert every energy in storming the 
fortress of Inversnaid, in expelling the garrison, 
and resolved to spend the last of his life in punish- 
ing Montrose, Athole, Killearn, and all who had ever 
wronged or injured him. 

We shall soon see the sequel to these bold pro- 
jects. 


170 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

LITTLE RONALD. 

About this time there occurred two circum- 
stances, which — more than any outrage that had 
preceded them — impelled Rob to attack the Sas- 
senach invaders, for so he deemed them, at Invers- 
naid. 

Near Eas-teivil, or the fall of the Tummel, in the 
face of a tremendous rock, is a cavern to which 
there is a narrow path, accessible only to one per- 
son at a time. Therein several fugitive MacGreg- 
ors were surprised by some of Huskeys soldiers, 
who had been conducted there by a spy named 
MacLaren. One-half were shot down or bayoneted. 
The others fought their way out, but fell over the 
rock, and clung to the trees which grew from its 
face. 

There they swung in blind desperation above 
the foaming stream, upon which,’’ says the “ Sta- 
tistical Reporter,” the pursuers cut off their 
arms, and precipitated them to the bottom,” to be 
swept away by the rushing water. 

These tidings filled Rob Roy with a glow of 
fury, which the second event was^in no way calcu- 
lated toxool. 

It' chanced that -on a day in spring, his second 
son, Ronald, a boy in his fourteenth year, despite 


LITTLE RONALD. 


171 


the entreaties of his mother and the injunctions of 
his father, strolled over the hills with his fishing- 
rod, along the banks of Loch Arclet, and actually 
fished within sight of Inversnaid. 

Little Ronald was brave as a lion. Once he had 
climbed the giddiest of the rocks above Loch 
Lomond, with his dirk in his teeth, to destroy the 
nest of a gigantic iolar, or mountain eagle, which 
preyed on the lambs of a poor widow who “was his 
foster-mother. 

He was ? generous, too, as he was brave, for the 
boy once nearly perished in the deep drift of a 
corrie, when searching amid the winter snow for 
the lost sheep of a poor herdsman who was sick. 
Every way, in spirit, Ronald was his father’s son ! 

On this day in spring, when his fish-basket was 
pretty well filled with spotted trout, and the long 
mountain-shadows cast by the setting 'Sun began to 
remind him of the distance that lay between Loch 
Arclet and the secluded little farm of Portnellan, 
he was preparing to quit his sport, when three red- 
coats suddenly appeared on the narrow footway, so 
Ronald turned to fly. 

That he strove to avoid them in those days need 
not excite wonder ; for such were the atrocities of 
the British ^and Hessian troops in the Highlands, 
and so much was their uniform abhorred for gener- 
ations after, that many a Highlander, who in man- 
hood has led his company or regiment to the storm- 
ing of Badajoz and the fields of Vittoria and 
Waterloo, when a boy was wont to fly to the woods 
for concealment, when by chance he saw a red- 


172 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


coat on the road that led to the chain of forts in 
the Great Glen of Caledonia. 

A pistol-shot fired by one of these strangers now 
made Ronald pause, as it struck a rock before him, 
and turning, with a flushed brow and an agitated 
heart, he found himself confronted by Major Huske 
and two soldiers, with whom he had been shooting, 
scouting, or rambling by the side of Loch Arclet. 

Enraged to find himself thus molested on the 
land which he knew to be his father’s heritage, he 
laid his hand on his dirk and boldly confronted the 
major, whose large, square, red-skirted coat, three- 
cornered hat, and Ramillies wig, were all fraught 
with terrors, which the boy sought to conceal, for 
he felf that it would ill become his father’s son to 
quail beneath a Saxon eye. 

Will you sell your fish, my little man ? ” asked 
the major ; but Ronald knew as little of English as 
the major did of Gaelic, so a soldier had to act as 
interpreter for them. 

No,” replied Ronald, sullenly. 

“ Then, as we want some at the garrison, we 
shall be compelled to appropriate what you have,” 
said Huske, peeping into the basket ; 1 warrant 

the money offered will not be allowed to lie on the 
heather.” 

Take the fish, if you want them, and let me be 
gone,” replied Ronald, throwing his basket down. 

Whither go you ? ” asked Huske, suspiciously. 

To my home,” 

Where is it ? ” 


LITTLE RONALD. 


173 


Among the mountains — where you would not 
be wise to follow/^ replied the boy, boldly. 

The soldier perha|>s interpreted this with some 
awkwardness or severity, for Huske exclaimed 
furiously, — 

’Sdeath ! you young rascal ; do you speak thus 
to me ? ” 

^^And why not, when I am a son of the Red 
MacGregor? ” was the rash boy’s response. 

Zounds ! I thought as much,” exclaimed Huske, 
with a malevolent gleam in his eyes. Come, my 
lad, don’t let us quarrel about a few fish. I have a 
particular desire to see your worthy father. He is 
a fine fellow, and a good judge of other men’s 
cattle. We want some of the latter for the garri- 
son. Can you tell me where he is ? ” 

^^Yes,” said Roland, with knitted brows and 
clenched teeth. 

Where, my boy ? ” 

“ Where you had better not seek him.” 

Pshaw ! will not this bribe you ? ” said Huske, 
slipping three guineas from his purse into Roland’s 
hand. 

Though nurtured amid civil war and sore adver- 
sity, the poor boy knew well the value of the bribe 
so infamously offered by Huske, who had never 
forgotten nor forgiven his meetings with Rob Roy 
in Moffatdale and elsewhere. Ronald drew himself 
proudly up, and said, — 

^‘You ask me — you, a soldier — to betray my 
father?” 

Nay, nay ; to discover ” 


174 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

“To betray — Saxon captain, or Saxon dog, 
mince the words as you will ! ’’ 

A mutinous cur ; but lit tame him yet,” mut- 
tered xthe major. 

“ You shall never get my father, alive at least ; 
for he is strong and brave as Cuchullin ! ” 

“ Some other Highland savage, I suppose ; but, 
egad, we shall see.” 

“ Sir,” said the soldier who acted as interpreter, 
“ would it not be a good plan-to let the young cub 
loose, and watch him well ? in the end he would be 
sure to lead us to the old wolPs den.” 

“ He would scramble up rocks where none but a 
cat or a monkey could follow, or leave us all ^floun- 
dering to the neck in some treacherous bog. No, 
no, I know better than that. Offer him three guin- 
eas more.” 

The soldier did so. 

“ You might as well ask me to blow the fire with 
my mouth full of meal,” was Ronald’s contemptu- 
ous reply ; “ for I would rather die than' betray any 
man — to a base Saxon churl least of all ! ” 

The soldier clenched his hand, but paused. 

“ Threaten if you will ; but strike not ! ” said 
Ronald, with his right hand on his dirk. 

“ You little villain, would you dare to draw on 
us ? ” thundered Major Huske. 

“ Yes, even if you stbod at the head of all your 
men, and dared to lay a hand on me,” replied Ro- 
nald, bursting into tears of passion and fury, as he 
flung the guineas full into Huske’s face. 

Filled with rage by this insult, the latter rushed 


LITTLE RONALD. 


175 


upon the brave boy and wrenched his dirk away. 
Ronald made a desperate resistance, he struggled, 
kicked, bit, and fought ; but he was soon dragged 
into the fort by the soldiers, who cast him, hand- 
cuffed, into a dark, stone cell. 

Huske, a brutal officer of the old Dutch or Revo- 
lution school, proposed to tie a cord round the poor 
boy’s head, and twist it with a pistol-barrel or drum- 
stick, until agony compelled him to furnish all the 
details required about his father’s movements ; but 
the officer next in command. Captain Henry Clif- 
ford, of the South British Fusileers,"^ a humane 
English gentleman, opposed the cruel idea so vigor- 
ously that Huske abandoned it ; so Ronald was 
closely watched, and fed on bread and water. 

He was threatened with being flogged at the 
halberts, or with being hung on a tree ; but nothing 
would make him tell aught to his father’s enemies. 
Yet, though he kept a brave front to ‘Hhe Saxons,” 
as he named them, in the fulness of his heart and 
the solitude of his cell, he wept for his parents, 
and repeatedly offered up the prayers his mother 
taught him, and repeated to himself the twenty- 
third Psalm, Shi Dhia fhein ’m buachalich ” (the 
Lord is my shepherd). 

Oina speedily informed the family at Portnellan 
of all this. She had now grown to womanhood, 
and was the wife of Alaster Roy. As a dealer in 
eggs, butter, and milk, she frequented the fort, and 
there learned the story of the young angler’s cap- 
ture. 

* Now known as the 7th, or Royal Fusileers. 


176 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


This unwarrantable action filled MacGregor with 
just indignation, and Helen with lively fears, lest 
her golden-haired Ronald might be impressed for a 
sailor or soldier, or perhaps sold to the Dutch plant- 
ers for a slave ; and Rob swore upon the bare 
blade of his sword to raze Inversnaid to the ground, 
and to give Huske’s flesh to the eagles of Ben Lo- 
mond ere the sun of the next Beltane day had risen, 
while his mother — an aged woman now — vowed 
that she too would march to the rescue, though 
armed only with her spindle and spissors. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

PAUL CRUBACH. 

Before collecting his followers, or making prep- 
arations to storm Inversnaid, and expel the royal 
troops from his patrimony, Rob Roy resolved to 
make himself well acquainted with the strength 
and resources of the garrison, and with the number 
of men and cannon at Major Huske’s disposal ; and 
for this service he availed himself of Oina, who 
brought him daily intelligence of the enemy. 

Moreover, he had another very efficient spy in 
the person of Paul Crubach, whose grotesque fig- 
ure and quaint conduct made him a welcome visitor 
to the soldiers, who jested and made fun with him, 
as a half-witted being ; but as usual with such char- 


PAUL CRUBACH. lT7 

acters in Scotland, there was a “method in the mad- 
ness” of Paul Crubach. 

One night as he sat by the fireside, in the little 
farm-house of Portnellan, where Ronald’s absence 
formed a source of perpetual grief, he urged that 
before attacking Inversnaid the oracle of the 
“ House of Invocation ” should be consulted ; but 
Rob Roy, though brave as man could be, shrunk 
from seeking intercourse with the world of spirits. 

“Are you afraid?” exclaimed Paul Crubach, 
striking his cross-staff fiercely on the floor with 
indignation. 

“Afraid, Paul — yes, of the devil.” 

“ Then I shall face the King of the Cats for you, 
and^from him I shall extort the knowledge whether 
ever again the three glens shall be ours.” 

The eyes of MacGregor sparkled. 

“ The old inheritance of Clan Alpine ! ” said he ; 
“yes; Glenlyon, Glendochart, and Glenorchy, shall 
again be ours, Paul, but first I must root out and 
raze this nest of Saxon hornets at Inversnaid ! ” 

“And set free my red-cheeked Ronald,” added 
Helen, weeping with sorrow and anger, as she 
twirled her spindle on the clay floor. 

“But look before you leap, MacGregor; before 
marching learn what the oracle may tell,” urged 
the old man ; “ but I shall learn for you, if I have 
not, as in past times, a vision before the hour, when, 
us the bard of Cona says, ^ The hunter awakes from 
his noonday slumber, and hears in his vision the 
spirits of the hill.’ ” 

Rob shuddered as Paul spoke, for a strange, wild 
12 


178 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


glare flashed in the eyes of this old man, who was 
supposed to be a seer, possessing the gift of the 
second sight. 

If the time serves, Paul,^’ resumed MacGregor, 
who wished to change the subject, I will inscribe 
on the rocks of Craigrostan and Inversnaid, in 
Gaelic letters, my indisputable right thereto, in 
defiance of the elector and his redcoats.’^ 

Ah ! thou art right,’^ said Paul, grinding his 
teeth and brandishing his cross-staff ; do so, even 
as MacMillan of South Knapdale, and the Mac- 
Murachies of Terdigan and Kilberrie, had their 
charters carved upon the rocks of their land.^^ 

But alas, Paul, that time may never, never 
come,’’ said Helen, with a sad smile. 

And little would such charters avail me, good 
wife, if the good claymore fails,” said Kob, with 
irony in his eye and tone. 

Then,” observed Greumoch, who sat in a cor- 
ner smoking his pipe and oiling his gun, ‘‘ we have 
the fair sleek skins of the Saxons whereon to write 
the story of our wrongs with a pen of pointed 
steel.” 

Enough of this,” said Paul Crubach, rising and 
drawing a deerskin over his shoulders ,* the sooner 
my task begins ’twill be the sooner ended.” 

“ Whither go you, Paul, and at this hour ? ” asked 
Eob, attempting to detain his strange guest. 

To consult the Tighghairm. Meet me at sun- 
set on the second day from this, at the Ladders, 
above Loch Katrine, and you will there learn what 
the future has in store for us ; whether we shall be 


PAUL CRUBACH. 


179 


the victors at Inversnaid, whether your boy shall 
be freed, and whether we shall again possess the 
three glens, which are the heritage of Clan Alpine, 
or be vanquished and destroyed. 

And before MacCregor, Helen, or Greumoch 
could interpose, Paul had snatched his cross-staff, 
and, with his long white hair streaming behind him 
in elf-locks, had rushed forth into the darkness. 

MacGregor, whose intercourse with Englishmen 
and Lowlanders had made him somewhat more a 
man of the world than his followers, was, neverthe- 
less, too strongly imbued with the old superstitions 
and native predilections of his race and country 
not to await with considerable interest, though 
mingled with doubt, the result of those spells 
which all in the district believed the half-witted 
Paul Crubach was capable of weaving, or the vis- • 
ions with which he was supposed to be visited. 

Accordingly, about the sunset of the second day, 
MacGregor, well armed as usual, repaired alone to 
the appointed place of tryst. 

The Ladders was the name of a dangerous and 
difficult track, which then formed the only access 
to Loch Katrine from Callender. 

He entered the narrow pass, •which is half a mile 
in length. There the rocks are stupendous in 
height, in some places seeming to impend over the 
head of the wayfarer; in others, aged weeping 
birches hang their drooping foliage over the ba- 
saltic cliffs from which they spring, adding a wild 
beauty to the rugged gorge. 

Across the summits of this pass, which is a por- 


180 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


tion of the famous Trossachs, the dying sunlight 
shone in red and uncertain gleams, through stormy 
clouds of dusky and saffron tints, for all the pre- 
ceding night loud peals of thunder had shaken the 
mountains, and even yet the atmosphere was close 
and sulphurous. 

At last Kob reached the Ladders, which consist- 
ed of steps roughly hewn out of the solid rock. By 
means of these, and ropes suspended from the trees, 
to be grasped by the hand, the bold and hardy 
natives of this part of the Highlands were wont to 
traverse the pass, which. In time of war, one swords- 
man could defend against a thousand. 

Bob slung his target on his shoulder, grasped 
the ropes, and from step to step swung himself 
lightly up the beetling rocks until he reached the 
summit, from whence he could see, far down below. 
Loch Katrine, a lovely sheet of water ten miles in 
length, gleaming redly in the last light of the sun, 
whose rays lingered yet on the vast peak of Ben- 
venue, and on the beautiful hills of Arroquhar, that 
closed the view to the west. 

In the loch is an islet, wherein, during the inva- 
sion of Scotland by Oliver Cromwell, the Clan 
Gregor had placed all their aged men, their women 
and children, for security. On finding that the 
only boat remaining was moored at the islet, an 
English soldier swam across to seize it, but was 
stabbed to the heart by lole MacGregor, the grand- 
mother of Bob^s foster brother, CaUam MacAleister. 

The scenery was alike wild and grand, and the 
great masses of lurid and dun-colored thunder- 


PAUL CRUBACH. 


181 


clouds that overhung the darkening hills added to 
its effect. 

With his keen and glittering eyes fixed on the 
place where the sun had set, Paul Crubach sat on a 
fragment of volcanic rock. He seemed wan, pale, 
and weary ; his masses of tangled hair and his prim- 
itive garb of deerskin seemed to have been scorched 
by fire, and his bare legs and arms were covered 
with scars and bruises. 

Propping himself on his cross-staff, he arose with 
apparent difficulty on the approach of MacGregor, 
who said, with anxiety, — 

In Heaven’s name, what has happened — what 
have you done, Paul ? ” 

‘‘1 have opened the House of Invocation. I 
have consulted the oracle of the Tiglighairm,^^ said 
he, solemnly. 

^‘Did it speak?’’ asked Rob, with growing 
wonder. 

‘‘ Listen ; I passed the night in the Coir nan 
Uriskin.” 

In the cave of the wild shaggy men ! ” ex- 
claimed the other, starting with more of actual fear 
than astonishment in his manner. 

Yea, even there,” replied Paul, closing his eyes 
for a moment, and sighing deeply. 

“ What did you see, — what did you hear ? ” 
Listen, and I shall teU you what happened.” 


182 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTEE XXYII. 

THE HOUSE OF INVOCATION. 

Paul related that after sunset on the preceding 
evening he had sought that remarkable cavern, or 
den, which lies at the base of Benvenue. 

It is a deep and circular hollow in the side of the 
mountain, about six hundred yards wide at the top, 
but narrows steeply towards the bottom, on all 
sides surrounded by stupendous masses of shattered 
rock, covered so thickly with wild birches that their 
interlaced branches almost intercept the sunlight 
even at noon. 

For ages, local superstition has made this place 
the abode of the Urisks, wild, shaggy men, or lub- 
ber-fiends, who were fashioned like the ancient 
satyrs, being half men and half goats ; thus their 
very name was fraught with many indescribable 
terrors', and hence the spot was avoided by the most 
hardy huntsmen, even at mid-day. 

There Paul had repaired as the night was closing 
in, carrying with him, instead of his cross-staff, the 
blade of an ancient sword without a hilt, and a 
black cat securely tied in a bag. 

Selecting the very centre of the coir, or hollow, 
he drew a circle three times round him with the 
sword-blade, and collecting a quantity of dry branch- 
es, dead leaves, and moss, he added some pieces of 


THE HOUSE OF INVOCATION. 


183 


coffin-boards, brought from his remarkable hut in 
Strathfillan, and lighted a fire. Amid the growing 
fiames, he thrust the sword-blade fir ml y int6 the 
earth, with the point uppermost. 

Then he drew from the bag the fated cat, the 
paws of which were securely tied with a cord. As 
the increasing fiames rose fa^t, he thrust the poor 
animal upon the upright sword, impaling it alive, 
the supposed necessity of the ordeal rendering Paul 
completely callous and heedless of the cruelty he 
was perpetrating. 

Then the shrill cries of the tortured cat woke a 
thousand echoes among the rocks of that ghastly 
hollow, while it spat and bit at the steel on which 
its blood was dripping to hiss on the fire below. 
Its jaws were distended, and its protruding eyes 
glared like opals in the light; its ears were laid 
flat, and every hair was bristling with fear and 
agony, till scorched off by the rising flames. 

Their lurid light cast strange and fantastic gleams 
on the rocks of that solemn hollow ; and when in 
the moaning night-wind the birches waved their 
drooping branches to and fro, the whole place 
seemed to fill with moving figures of quaint and 
unearthly aspect. 

As the yells of the tortured cat woke them up, 
sharp-nosed foxes peeped forth from their holes 
with glittering eyes, fleet squirrels scampered up 
the trees, and the birds screamed and whirred in 
flocks out of the' hollow ; but fast and furiously 
there gathered from all quarters cats, wild and do- 
mestic; over the bushes and rocks they came 


184 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


swarming, as if to the rescue, with open mouths, 
protruding eyes, extended claws, and backs erect ; 
but they were compelled to pause, being unable 
to enter the charmed circle, or it might be perhaps 
that the glare of the fire terrified or bewildered 
them. 

Cats in countless humbers — black, white, gray, 
and brindled — covered all the rocks of the Coir 
nan Uriskin, according to Paul, denouncing in fury 
the torment of their companion, till their spitting 
and hissing sounded like the rush of a waterfall ; 
for though many of these sudden visitors were of 
the common size and kind, many more were the 
wild cats of the mountain, which are four times 
larger than the domestic, with yellow coats, black 
streaks, thick, flat tails, and are armed with claws 
and teeth well calculated to inspire terror. 

Then, as the branches of the trees waved to 
and fro, their shadows on the weather-beaten rocks 
seemad more distinctly to assume the strange form, 
the quaint and savage faces of the terrible Urisks, 
that glimmered and jabbered at these unhallowed 
proceedings. But the resolute Paul continued to 
mutter, — 

See not this ! 

Hear not that ! 

Round with the spit, 

And turn the cat ! 

So he never looked about him nor quailed in his 
grim work, for he knew that greater terrors would 
yet surround him ere the fiend he was summoning 
would appear. For if the Cluasa-leabhra came to 


THE HOUSE OP INVOCAnON. 


185 


the rescue of his tortured subject, — terrible 
king of the cats, distinguished from all otheir of 
the mountain by his tiger-like proportions and 
wondrous strength, — Paul knew that would be 

the critical moment of his fate; for if his bran 
failed him on hearing the yell of this half-cat, half- 
demon, he must be overborne by the whole living 
mass, which now covered the sides of the Coir nan 
Uriskin ; his body would be rent into a thousand 
pieces, and the future of Clan Alpine would never 
be learned ! 

The midnight air was growing dense and sul- 
phurous ; gleams of lightning began to play about 
the bleak summit of Benvenue, and the deep thun- 
der grumbled in the distance. Drops of hot rain 
were falling heavily too ; but Paul felt them not, 
for his heart leaped within him as he shouted, — 

‘‘Wretch, come forth! He is coming! — he is 
coming ! ’’ 

The poor cat impaled upon the sword-blade was 
expiring now; h^f-roasted alive, its eyeballs yet 
protruded from their sockets ; surcharged with 
blood, they had become red as rubies, and its 
mouth opened and shut spasmodically. 

White as milk or thistle-down, PauFs long and 
tangled hair glittered in the wavering fire-light, 
and in the livid gleams that shot athwart the sky ; 
but still he tossed his skeleton arms aloft, and 
whirled the dying cat upon the sword-blade with 
a piece of burning brand. 

In their sunken sockets PauPs eyeballs blazed 
like burning coals, for every moment he expected 


186 


THE ADVENTUEES OF EOB EOY. 


to see thp trembling earth open, and the unchained 
fiend appear before him; but the rocks of the Coir 
nan Uriskin trembled by no demoniac spell, but 
with the boom of the pealing thunder alone. 

Suddenly there was a splitting roar and a dread- 
ful crash ; a blinding sheet of livid flame filled the 
whole hollow ; for a moment the wet rocks seemed 
to sparkle like masses of crystal, and the trees were 
seen to toss and twist wildly upward their rending 
branches in the blast. Then all became darkness, 
and all silence, save when the thunder of the mid- 
night storm grumbled in the distance far away. 

A thunder-bolt had struck the rocks of the hol- 
low; Paul became senseless, and remembered no 
more till morning dawned, when he found himself 
lying near a thunder-riven rock in the Coir nan 
Uriskin amid the ashes of his extinguished fire, 
and close by him the charred remains of his victim 
still impaled by the sword-blade. 

The adventures of the night — how much of these 
were true, and how much were fancy ^ the reader 
may easily determine — had sorely exhausted the 
strength of this strange, old man, to whose narra- 
tive Rob Roy listened with astonishment, not un- 
mingled with alarm, for the scene of his spells was 
fraught with innumerable terrors. 

Thus, MacGregor, I have sinned and perilled 
my soul for nothing,’^ groaned Paul, closing his 
eyes, as if in exhaustion ; “ I have invoked in vain, 
and in vain has the terrible ordeal of the Tigh- 
gliairm been undergone ! ” 

“ If all this be true, Paul, you were near rousing 


THE HOUSE OF INVOCATION. 


187 


the devil to little purpose. For, had he told you 
that we would be victorious, we would fight; if 
defeated and dispersed, still would we fight, till 
the last of us was gathered to his fathers. So, for 
true tidings of the enemy, I would rather trust to 
the lass Oina than to your devilish cantrips.^’ 

You would trust in a woman ? said Paul, dis- . 
dainfully. 

She can reckon every redcoat in Inversnaid as 
well as you or I could do, Paul.’^ 

“ What said St. Colme of Iona ? ^ Where there 
is a cow there will be a woman, and where there is 
a woman, there will be mischief ; so neither one 
nor the other ever set foot on the Isle of the Waves 
in his time.^^ 

“An ungallant speech,^^ said Kob, laughing. 

“ But a true one. Pause and consider well, for 
a son of Fortune waits and attains his end in peace ; 
but the luckless hastens on unadvisedly, and evil 
befalls him.^^ 

“ Dioul ! said the other, with knitted brow ; 

“ I am no son of Fortune, but an outlawed son of 
Alpine ! I thank you for your advice, Paul ; but 
return to Portnellan, and get food to restore your 
wasted strength. I will trust to the kind God 
above us,’^ he added, uncovering his head, and 
looking upward, “to Him, and to my father’s 
sword, rather than to a voice from hell ! To-night 
I cross the hills to Inversnaid, where my poor boy, 
Ronald, and my patrimony are alike kept from me 
by these Saxon intruders. Coll, Greumoch, Mac- 
Aleister, and the rest, are to follow me with five 


188 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY.. 


hundred men. We shall gather at the burn foot, 
where it flows into Loch Lomond, on the third 
night from this. Sharp war brings sure peace; 
and ere the sun of the next day shines upon the 
mountains, I shall cock my bonnet on the ruins of 
Inversnaid, or lie low on the heather as death can 
lay me ! ” 

With these words Rob and Paul Crubach parted. 

The latter turned away with tottering steps to 
seek the farm-house of Portnellan, where Helen 
MacGregor, with her boys, Hamish and Duncan, 
were to wait the issue of the attack upon the 
king’s fort and barrack ; while Rob threw his target 
on his shoulder, and lithely and agilely descended 
the precipitous ladder in the rocks, and alone, as 
night was closing, sought the road to Callender. 


CHAPTER XXYIII. 

ROB ROY’S CAVE.- 

The Red MacGregor knew well that the destruc- 
tion of Inversnaid and the dispersion of its garrison 
would render him popular even with his enemies ; 
for that fort had been built to overawe the Buchan- 
ans, the Colquhouns of Luss, and the Stewarts of 
Ardvoirlich, as well as the MacGregors ; yet none 
but the latter had the daring to attempt its cap- 
ture. 

It was always garrisoned by a strong party from 


ROB ROY^S CAVE. 


189 


the castle of Dumbarton, relieved at regular in- 
tervals. 

Full of thought, and of the bold deed he had in 
contemplation, MacGregor travelled alone by the 
northern base of Benvenue, from whence, across 
the waters of Loch Katrine, he could see the lights 
glittering in the windows of the thatched farm- 
house, where his family resided, at Portnellan, neai 
where the western end of that lovely sheet ol 
water flows into Glengyle, and with a prayer on 
his lips for their protection, and a sigh of hope 
for the future, he drew tighter his girdle, secured 
his belted plaid upon his breast by his brooch, 
and crossed the rugged mountain slope with long 
strides unerringly in the dark, for the night was 
moonless ; and, after a journey of ten or twelve 
miles, he reached his old lurking-place, the cavern, 
on the banks of Loch Lomond. 

From this place he could overlook the lands that 
were once his own, and where whilom he had been 
able to count the gray smoke of a hundred cotta- 
ges rising in the clear air of an autumn evening, 
and knew that in these humble abodes all loved 
him with a love that went beyond the grave ; but 
the times were changed, and with a sigh of bitter- 
ness he entered the cavern. 

He looked carefully to the flints and priming of 
his pistols, and, casting himself on a bed of dry, 
soft heather, prepared for him in a hollow of the 
rocks by the careful hands of Oina, he placed his 
drawn sword beside him, and addressed himself to 
sleep, as he expected a visit from her in the morn- 


190 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


ing, when she could leave the fort, where she had 
been latterly engaged as the servant of an officer’s 
wife. 

Hour after hour passed, and MacGregor heard 
no sound but the night wind as it swept the bleak 
mountain-side, and tossed the wild whins and brak- 
ens that fringed the mouth of his dark hiding- 
place. 

Sleep was stealing gradually over him when 
some strange, dark objects appeared at the cavern 
mouth. Starting, he snatched up his sword and 
pistols; but paused, for the figures had short horns, 
floating beards, and red, glaring eyes, that peered 
in at him from behind the ledges of rock. 

On the first alarm he thought that soldiers had 
tracked him hither; then the diablerie x of Paul’s 
recent proceedings, and his strange narrative of 
the night he had passed in the den of the Urisks, 
flashed upon Rob’s memory, and made his flesh 
creep ; for now, head after head, with horns and 
beard, and red, glancing eyes, came along the 
lower edge of the cavern floor, appearing darkly 
and indistinctly against the dim light without. 

MacGregor levelled a pistol and fired; then 
there was a rush of many feet down the slope, and 
on springing to the cavern mouth, he found that he 
had been scared by a herd of poor mountain goats, 
which he saw now leaping from rock to rock in 
terror and dismay. 

Then Rob laughed aloud at the excitement or 
overstrained fancy which had caused such unusual 
emotions of alarm; and he thought of the good 


ROB ROY^S CAVE. 


191 


King Robert I., who had been similarly startled in 
the same place. For we are told, that after his 
defeat by the rebellions Western Highlanders at 
Halree in StrathfiUan, he fled down the glen, 
crossed the Falloch, and alone and unattended 
reached Loch Lomond side, and at Inversnaid took 
shelter in this same cavern. There he slept in his 
armor on the bare rocks, with his sword drawn by 
his side — the sword that was never to be sheathed 
till Scotland was freed alike from Western rebels 
and English invaders. 

In the mirk midnight, the war-worn king awoke, 
and was at first astonished, and then amused, to 
find the cave full of wild mountain goats, whose 
lair it was ; and tradition adds, that Bruce found 
himself so comfortable among them, that when 
peace was proclaimed and the Parliament met, he 
passed a law whereby all goats should be grass- 
mail (or rent) free.’^ 

In that cave King Robert passed the night, and 
in the morning there came to him Sir Maurice of 
Buchanan, who conducted him to Malcolm, Earl of 
Lennox. 

On the same rock where, perhaps, the Bruce^s 
head was pillowed, Rob Roy dropped into a pro- 
found .sleep, and the morning sun was shining 
brightly on the woods of silver birch and sombre 
pine, and on the green isles of Loch Lomond, when 
he awoke to' find Oina seated near him, with a little 
basket by her side, and a red plaid drawn over her 
head, patiently watching him, and waiting the mo- 
ment when he would be stirring. In one hand she 


192 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


had a hunting-bottle of usquebaugh, and in the 
other a little quaich formed of juniper and birch 
staves alternately, smoothly polished, and hooped 
with silver. 

The little girl, with the thick, brown tresses de- 
scribed in the first chapter of our story, was now 
a tall matron, with her dark hair gathered under a 
curchie. Her brow was .thoughtful and severe, for 
many a time since the day on which her boy-com- 
panion, Colin Bane, had been slain by Duncan nan 
Creagh, had she looked death in the face amid 
flashing swords and flaming rafters ; and she was 
now, as stated, the wife of Alaster Roy MacGregor. 

You have come at last, Oina,” said Rob Roy. 

Say not that as a taunt,’^ said she, for I could 
not leave the fort of Inversnaid before the gates 
were opened at daybreak.’’ 

I did not say it tauntingly, Oina,” replied Rob, 
patting her shoulder ; but what of my poor boy, 
Ronald?” 

He is still in a cell, where I cannot have speech 
with him.” 

“A cell ! How his free. Highland soul must ab- 
hor such confinement ! Patience yet awhile, my 
boy, for the blades are on the grindstone that ere 
long shall free you. But do they keep surer watch 
than usual at Inversnaid ? ” 

I cannot say ; but more of the red soldiers ar- 
rived yesterday.” 

More ? ” repeated Rob, starting. 

- Yes.” 

How many ? ” 


KOB Roy's cave. 


193 


“Forty at least; they came by a boat up Loch 
Lomond from Dumbarton.’^ 

“ How many are there in the fort now ? 

“ I have reckoned four companies of eighty men 
each.” 

“ Three hundred and twenty muskets.” 

“ Nay, for twenty of these have halberts.” 

“ True — the sergeants.” 

“ Then there are six tairneanach ” (thunder- 
mouths). 

“ At the gate. I have marked them from the 
hill ; they are six-pound cannon, I believe ; but let 
us once pass the barrier and they will be useless. 
I have but five hundred claymores, yet I will make 
an attempt, if it should cost me my life and the 
fives of all who adhere to me,” said Rob, firmly. 

“ At what hour will you advance ? ” 

“ To-morrow night, at twelve.” 

“ Good. I shall endeavor to dispose of the senti- 
nel at the gate.” 

“With the dirk? Nay, I like not that, Oina,” 
said Rob Roy. 

“ Nay, with she replied, laughing, as she 

took the hunting-bottle of whiskey from the basket 
in which she had brought a breakfast for Mac- 
Gregor. 

“ To-morrow night we muster at the burn foot, 
near Inversnaid. At twelve the attack will com- 
mence — twelve remember, Oina ; and if the senti- 
nel be not silenced by you, we must e’en trust to 
the sledge-hammer first and the steel blade after.” 

When Oina left him to return to the fort the 

13 


194 • 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


hours passed slowly and anxiously with MacGreg- 
or, who in his hiding-place could hear the drums 
when they were beaten at daybreak, sunset, and 
tattoo, in the barrack at Inversnaid ; and he pray- 
ed that the time might come when that sound,, 
which was rendered, by association, so hateful to a 
Highland ear, would be hushed among his native 
hills forever. 

Whether victorious or not, Rob Roy could scarce- 
ly hope that an act so daring as an attack on a roy- 
al garrison would pass unpunished ; but he heeded 
not. By that deed he resolved to make a terrible 
protest against the usurpation of his land, and the 
erection of such a building in the country of the 
MacGregors. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID. 

The eventful night proved dark and cloudy. 
The month was April, but already the young buds 
had burst, and were in full leaf in the wild woods 
that bordered Loch Lomond, when Rob clambered 
out of the deep rocky fissure which formed the ap- 
proach to his cavern, and sought the place of tryst. 

Sweeping .down glen and corrie, the night wind 
came in squally gusts to furrow up the waters of 
the loch. About the bare summits of the mighty 
mountains which overlooked it, the red sheet-light- 


THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID. 


195 


ning gleamed at times, giving a weird aspect 
to the black and silent sceneiy, as rock, hill, and 
tree came forth for a moment in dark outlines upon 
the lurid background, and then vanished into ob- 
scurity. 

No sound broke the solemn stillness save those 
gusts of wind, or the rushing cascade of the moun- 
tain burn that brawled from Invorsnaid over rocks 
and stones towards the loch, while the MacGregors 
arriving in parties of ten, twenty — even forty — 
from the banks of Loch Arclet, from Glengyle, 
Glenstrae, and the braes of Balquhidder, mustered 
at the appointed place, every man armed with 
sword and dirk, target and pistol. 

In addition to these (the invariable weapon of 
the Highlander) many had long muskets with bayo- 
nets, taken from the troops, and the terrible ticagli, 
or pole-axe, and each wore a sprig of pine in his 
bonnet. 

A wild and warlike yet resolute band, they were 
anxious for the conflict, as they had the traditionary 
and actual wrongs of their race to avenge — the 
violation of their clan territory; and, moreover, 
many of them had suffered by the spoliation or 
appropriation of their cattle and sheep, which had 
been taken or shot by the king’s garrison ; for, as 
stated elsewhere, cattle were then the whole wealth 
of our mountaineers. Forty head were a woman’s 
dowry ; the rents were paid, daughters were por- 
tioned, and sons provided for in life by herds and 
flocks. 

With MacAleister, Greumoch, Alaster Roy, Rob 


196 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


found his eldest son Coll already there. There, 
too, came even old Paul Crubach, armed with the 
hiltless sword on which he had impaled the unfor- 
tunate cat; and on reckoning his force, Rob found 
that it consisted of five hundred and two claymores, 
■all resolute and true as the steel of which their 
weapons were made. 

The milky light of the stars glimmered at times 
through the flying clouds, on their swords and 
round shields studded with polished nails and 
bosses of brass and steel, as they sat or stood in 
picturesque groups, muttering and whispering, and 
chewing the muilcionny as the Highlanders name 
the spignel, which they were wont to chew like 
liquorice or quids of tobacco, in winter and spring. 

Measures for the attack were soon resolved on 
by a force alike destitute of cannon, petards, or 
scaling-ladders. They were simply these : To ad- 
vance to the gate in the ancient and classic form 
of a wedge, led by Rob Roy; and if Oina had 
failed to remove or overcome the sentinel, to trust 
to the sledge-hammer first and the sword-blade 
after. 

Those nearest in blood, highest in rank in the 
clan, and the best armed, were to keep close by 
Rob in the conflict ; so Coll, MacAleister, and Greu- 
moch were immediately in his rear, as the march 
was begun in silence up the side of the stream, 
towards the point of attack. 

The cuarans, or shoes of untanned deerskin, then 
worn by the Highlanders, strapped sandal-wise over 
the instep and ankles, enabled this mass of men to 


THE STORMING OP INVERSNAID. 


197 


advance over the rocky and rough ground as silent- 
ly and noiselessly as if they trod on the soft heather 
or on ^Hhe down of Cana/’ the cotton grass of 
which Ossian sang, and which whitens the High- 
land mosses in spring, when the sheep crop it, be- 
fore it bursts into flower. 

After a march of something less than a mile, be- 
fore them, on an eminence, rose the strong walls 
and black outline of the fort and barrack they were 
about to assail. 

Halting his men at some distance, MacG-regor 
crept forward softly and drew near the arched gate, 
on each side of which three pieces of cannon 
frowned through embrasures of stone. 

He listened intently for the step of the sentinel 
within, but heard only the wind as it moaned past 
the mouths of the cannon. 

He uttered a shrill whistle like that of a curlew, 
a signal he had agreed on with Oina, and her ex- 
pected response, three knocks on the gate, made 
his heart leap, for he now knew that the sentinel 
had fallen into a snare, that she had succeeded in 
intoxicating him, and that the outer barrier at least 
was open. Hastening back to his men, he ex- 
claimed, — 

Come on, my lads, and follow me ; the path is 
clear ! ” 

He drew his sword, and a gleam of light seemed 
to pass over all the dusky mass, as every man fol- 
lowed his example, and rushing on like a living 
flood, they flung themselves against the gate, with- 


198 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


in which the sentinel was lying in his box quite 
intoxicated. 

With shouts of Dhia agus ar duthaich ! Righ 
Hamish gu bragh ! ” (“God and our country ! 
King James forever !’') the MacGregors burst into 
the fort ; but, unknown to them, there was an inner 
gate of iron, which secured the passage to the bar- 
racks. This, Captain ClilFord, the officer command- 
ing the main guard, instantly shut and secured.; 
and through the bars of it his men opened a fire of 
musketry, that in five minutes brought the whole 
garrison under arms. 

Swinging ponderous sledge-hammers, Rob Roy, 
MacAleister, and others, strove in vain to beat or 
break down the malleable iron bars of this unex- 
pected barrier, through which the musketry flashed 
incessantly ; and many of their men were falling, 
killed or wounded, while others returned the fire 
with their long guns, whieh they discharged 
through the barrier right into the faces of the 
redcoats. 

The outworks of Inversnaid were completely in 
possession of the MacGregors, but the inner wall, 
by its height, defied their efforts, and Rob knew 
that from it and the barrack windows ere long 
there would be opened a fire of musketry which 
would decimate and destroy his men, unless the 
heart of the place was entered while consternation 
existed in the garrison. 

Already the windows were full of lights, as the 
soldiers were dressing and arming in haste. Sharp- 
ly and rapidly the long roll was beaten on the 


THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID. 


199 


drum, and scores of voices were heard in clamor 
and confusion within, while without rang the wild 
^ cheers of his men and the pipes of Alpine, who 
played, — 


Oh that I had three hands, — 

One for the sword and two for the pipe ! 

The red explosion of muskets and pistols echoed 
on both sides of the barrier, which Captain Clifford, 
a resolute officer, who shared with his men a hatred 
and fear of the Celts, defended with resolution. 
Expecting ^only extermination if taken, the king’s 
Fusileers acted with great vigor and couragp. 

From an angle of the inner wall, which his men 
were now rapidly lining. Major Huske shot off a 
number of lighted shells or bombs from a little brass 
howitzer. These soared through the air, forming 
long and dazzling arcs of light, which enabled his 
Fusileers to see the number and disposition of the 
attacking force, and to direct their fire upon the 
tumultuous mass of men wedged below the walls, 
where the long blades of their brandished swords 
seemed to flash sharply up from a sea of blue bon- 
nets, red tartans, and round targets. 

The soldiers, in their square-skirted red coats, 
white cross-belts, and three-cornered hats, were 
rapidly lining all the walls, firing at random as they 
came upon the platforms, till Huske lighted three 
cercles goudronnes, by the blaze of which they di- 
rected their aim. 

These are old gunmatches, pieces of rope dipped 


200 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


in pitch and tar, made up in the form of a circle, to 
be placed upon ramparts during a night attack. 

The clear light they cast upon the strife, to- 
gether with the sharp and destructive explosion 
of three or four well-directed hand-grenades, were 
causing great consternation among the MacGrreg- 
ors, some twenty or thirty of whom had fallen 
killed or wounded, when the bewildering cry of 
I fire ! ’’ in the heart of the garrison produced 
a panic among the soldiers, and a red' blaze was 
seen to start above the roof of the barracks. In fact, 
Oina, to create a diversion, and distract the atten- 
tion of the defenders, had thrown a lighted candle 
into the lofts, where the hay and straw for the 
officers^ horses were stored. 

A part of the wall Avas thus left undefended by 
Huske drawing off his men to extinguish the flames. 
At this part, the faithful and devoted Oina threw 
doAvn a ladder, up which the Highlanders scrambled 
Avith the activity of Avild cats ; but at the same 
moment a stray bullet pierced her head, and she 
fell lifeless across the wall, Avith her arms and her 
long dark hair spread over it. 

Rob Roy Avas the first man in ! 

As he placed a foot upon the parapet, he stum- 
bled and fell; but his figure and red beard had 
been recognized by the light of the blazing cercles 
goudronnes. 

The red MacGregor ! down with him,” ex- 
claimed an officer; ^^at him, my lads, with your 
bayonets breast high ! ” 

Four soldiers rushed forward, and Rob’s life had 


THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID. 


201 


likely ended there, had not Eoin Eaibaich (John the 
Grizzled), a MacPherson who bore his standard (for 
the Clan Vurich were the hereditary banner-bean 
ers of Clan Alpine), devotedly flung himself before 
him ; and after thrusting the point of the standard 
pole into the heart of one soldier, received the 
bayonet of a second on his target, and those of the 
other two in his own gallant breast. 

Righ Hamish gu bragh I ” he exclaimed, and 
expired, as Greumoch snatched the banner from his 
hand. Then Rob Roy leaped down into the heart 
of the place, and with shouts of triumph and fury 
his men spread oyer the whole barrack. 

Paul Crubach was seen hobbling hither and 
thither, yelling like a fiend ; his cross-staff uplifted 
in one hand, his rusty sword-blade in the other, and 
his long, white hair streaming behind and glittering 
like hoar frost in the blaze of the burning hayJofts 
and the flashing of the musketry. 

Captain Clifford, finding the rear turned, and the 
foe in the heart of the garrison, opened the inner 
gate, and at the head of the main guard forced a 
passage through and escaped. 

By this avenue the whole garrison also escaped 
or were expelled, being driven forth at the point 
of the sword. Many cast aside their muskets and 
belts and fled down the glen of Inversnaid, they 
knew not whither ; but had they been pursued in 
the old Highland fashion, not one crould have es- 
caped ; however, Rob was merciful, and would not 
permit a man to follow the fugitives. 

Greumoch, in the mSlee, caught Major Huske by 


202 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


his queue at the moment he was rushing^ sword in 
hand, through the gate of the fort. The Celt was 
about to hew the Saxon down, when the wig of the 
latter came off, so he escaped bareheaded, while 
Greumocli fell heavily on his face. 

Oich,^^ muttered he ; “ prutt-trutt ! he has a 
sliddery grip that takes an eel by the tail.” 

MacAleister soon discovered the cell wherein 
Ronald was confined, and he rushed forth to em- 
brace his father ere the fray was well over. 

Rob’s plaid was torn to pieces by bayonet thrusts 
and mu'sket balls, and he had a severe wound in 
his left shoulder, where a captain, named Dorring- 
ton, stabbed him through the gate with his spon- 
toon, a pike then carried by all officers. 

Save about fifteen or twenty soldiers who lay 
killed or wounded (chiefly near the iron gate), not 
one of the garrison remained in Inversnaid ; but the 
barrack-yard was strewed Avith muskets, SAvords, 
cartridge-boxes, blankets, haversacks, hats, and 
Avigs ; and there also lay tAvo drums, for the fugi- 
tives, in their panic and desire to escape, aban- 
doned everything, even to their regimental color, 
for a standard of the South British Fusilieers Avas 
found in Major Huske’s quarters by young Coll 
MacGregor, having the English rose embroidered 
upon it, together Avith the Avhite horse of Hanover, 
and the motto Nec dspera terant. 

Carry this to the farm of Portnellan, my boys,” 
said Rob to his sons, ‘‘ and give it to your mother 
as a trophy of this night’s Avork. She has Avept 
and wearied long for you, Ronald.” 


THE STORMING OF INVERSNAID. 


203 


As there was no time to be lost, he gave orders 
to destroy the fort utterly. The wounded were 
carefully removed, and the slain MacGregors he 
sent by a boat for interment on Inchcailloch, be- 
side the ruined church, which had been disused 
since 1621. 

Among these was Oina, whom her husband had 
rolled in his plaid, as the only shroud and coffin he 
had time to procure her. 

The whole of the plunder found in the barracks 
and stores, — arms, powder, clothing, food, and 
money, — Rob Roy, with his characteristic gener- 
osity, gave to his poor and faithful followers, which 
completely consoled them for many a stab, slash, 
and bruise received in the attack. 

To himself he reserved only the captured stand- 
ard and a little child — a boy of about three years 
of age — who was found asleep peacefully in his 
bed amid all the horrid din and hurly-burly of the 
night assault and capture. 

On inquiring among the wounded soldiers whose 
boy this was, Rob was informed that he was the 
only son of Major Huske ,* so he gave the little fel- 
low in care of his foster-brother, MacAleister, 
saying, — 

Well, major, turn about is fair play. You took 
my son, — I now take yours. Carry him to Port- 
nellan, Callam, and give him to Helen. Tell her 
(but it is needless) to keep the little Saxon tender- 
ly, as if he were our own, till such time as we can 
restore him to his father.’^ 

So MacAleister wrapped his plaid about the 


204 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


child; who screamed with terror on seeing the 
Highlanders ; for it was a common belief then in 
England; and for long after; that they were wont to 
eat children; like the ogres of the fairy tales. 

Eob next ordered the cannon to be spiked and 
the barracks to be set on fire. 

“Alpine; strike up the Brattacli Ghael!^^ said 
he to the piper; who at once began the “White 
Banner;” a famous pibroch of the Jacobite clans. 
“ By the deed of to-night I shall teach these robber 
Whigs and truckling Lowlanders to consider well 
ere again they build a fort on our land ; this will 
be the worst twist in their cow^s-horn ! ” 

Eob now gave orders to retire; with the wounded 
slung in plaids over the shoulders of their comrades; 
who applied handfuls of nettles to stop the bleed- 
ing of cuts and stabs ; and the retreating Mac- 
Gregors saw the fiames of the burning barrack 
and fort rising like a pyramid of fire above the 
wallS; as the daylight stole down the vast steeps 
of Ben Lomond into its solemn glens and rocky 
corries. 

The blaze was yet shining across the gray morn- 
ing sky; when they retreated to their fastnesses at 
the head of Loch Katrine; by the wild way of Loch 
Arclet; whither MacGregor believed the bravest 
men in the castles of Stirling and Dumbarton 
dared not follow him. 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


205 


CHAPTER XXX. 

' THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 

The little boy found at Inversnaid was kindly 
and tenderly received by Helen MacGregor, who 
made him share the heather couch of her youngest 
son, Duncan, a hardy Highland colt, who was 
about the same age as the yellow-haired Saxon. 
The arrival of the latter created great speculation 
in the small clachan or farm-town of Portnellan ; 
but the poor boy, accustomed to other sights and 
sounds than those around him now, was scared 
and terrified by the aspect of the Highlanders, 
and mourned for his father and for the soldiers 
among whom he had been reared, and clung to the 
skirts of Helen MacGregor as his only protectress. 

However, as children so young have but shallow 
griefs and short memories, a few days foynd him 
quite reconciled to his fortune, to little Duncan as 
a bedfellow and playmate,* and he learned to sup 
his porridge with a horn spoon from a large wooden 
trencher, and to make a companion of the stag- 
hounds, collies, and otter terriers, that shared the 
fireside and sitting-room of the family of Port- 
nellan. 

^‘Alas I ” said Helen, one evening, as she sat 
with the little stranger on her knee ; this fair boy 
is too sweet, too good and beautiful to find a proper 
place on earth. 


206 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


How — what mean ye, good-wife?’’ asked Rob, 
with displeasure. 

Such children never live to comb gray hairs.” 

Say not so, Helen,” said Rob, impressed by her 
manner. 

‘H would the youngling was with his own people. 
I judge of their sufferings by what I myself have 
suffered,” said Helen, with a sigh. 

True, Helen,” said Rob Roy, sternly,- as he sat 
at the table oiling the locks of his pistols ; but 
little cared they for our heartaches when Ronald 
was their prisoner — fettered like a felon in the 
port of Inversnaid, because he fished on the patri- 
mony of his father, and scorned to betray him for 
gold ! ” 

“ To seek the major at Dumbarton ” 

To seek Major Huske anywhere would be to 
seek death, even for him who took the child to him. 
A dab MacAleister gave him with his dirk is not 
likely to have improved the major’s temper ; so let 
us bide our time, Helen. Our Highland air but ill 
suits Saxon lungs, yet the blue-eyed boy thrives 
bravely, and our little Duncan loves him well. 
They share their bannocks and cheese, their 
brochan and brose, like sons of the same mother.” 

^^Yet I would the child were with 7ws,” said 
Helen, earnestly. 

She is, I hope, in heaven,” said Rob, looking 
upward. 

“ Dead ! ” exclaimed Helen ; “ mean you that 
she is dead?” 

“Ay, Helen, even so. She was killed by a can- 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


207 


non-ball at the siege of Landau, in the Lowlands of 
Holland ; and the poor child, then at her breast, 
was covered with her blood. Tims, poor Oina, who 
heard a soldier say so, told me.^’ 

Helen’s eyes filled with tears, as she kissed and 
caressed the motherless boy, who, while creeping 
close to her, always viewed her husband’s red flow- 
ing beard, glaring tartans, and glittering weapons 
(which he could scarcely lay aside for a moment, 
even by his own hearth-stone), with an undisguised 
fear and mistrust that frequently made Rob and his 
henchman laugh heartily. 

Helen dressed little Harry Huske in a home- 
made kilt and short coat, which she adorned with 
buttons formed of those remarkable pebbles which 
are found on the isle of Iona. Her own hardy 
boys never wore shoes, except in winter, and then 
she fashioned for them soft, warm cuarans of the 
red-deer’s hide, to protect their feet from the snow; 
but to little Harry, having been more gently nur- 
tured, she gave every luxury their circumstances 
would admit, and nightly she sang him to sleep 
with her harp, and the plaintive old song of Mac- 
Gregor na Ruara. 

Assisted and protected by Sir Humphry Colqu 
houn, James Grant of Pluscardine, and others, 
Major Huske, though severely wounded, with al 
his half-disarmed fugitives, reached the castle of 
Dumbarton, which is more than twenty miles from 
Inver snaid, and from thence in a few days, by order 
of Lieutenant-General Carpenter, commander-in- 
chief in Scotland, a company of grenadiers, and 


208 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


three of the line, were ordered to penetrate into 
the district of the MacGregors, to punish them, 
and, if possible, to capture Rob Roy. 

This party, notice of whose march was speedily 
brought to Portnellan by Coll MacGregor and 
Greumoch, who had been scouting among the hills 
of Buchanan, was commanded by Captain Clifford, 
whose residence at Inversnaid had rendered him 
pretty conversant with the country. The tidings 
filled Helen and her household with something 
very like dismay ; but her husband fe^,rlessly pre- 
pared for the emergency, and resolved to meet the 
invaders in one of those narrow passes which then 
formed the only avenues to the Highlands — ave- 
nues which no foreign sword had ever been able 
to open up. 

Clifford’s detachment consisted of picked men of 
the South British Fusileers, all burning to avenge 
the late affair at Inversnaid and the loss of their 
regimental color. As incentives to them, the price 
of Rob Roy’s head, the entire spoil — cattle, arms, 
and goods of his adherents — were given in pro- 
spective; thus, they commenced the expedition 
with great alacrity ; and the noon of the third day 
after quitting Dumbarton saw them crossing the 
mountains near Gartmore House, and approaching 
the pass of Aberfoyle, intending by that circuitous 
route to penetrate towards Loch Ard and the Tros- 
sachs, and then fall suddenly in the night on Rob 
Roy’s quarters. 

They required no guide, as Captain Clifford 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


209 


alleged that he had shot and fished over all the 
district, and knew it very well. 

Brightly shone the steel bayonets and polished 
mnsket-barrels in the setting snn of the May even- 
ing, and the redcoats looked gay and gallant, while 
chatting and singing, for no fife was blown nor 
drum beaten when the strong detachment of Cap- 
tain Clifford entered the valley of Aberfoyle ; but 
little knew he what awaited him between the Tros- 
sachs and Loch Katrine ! 

Clifford, a brave, handsome officer, rode at the 
head of the Grenadiers, mounted on a fine white 
charger. He was a good horseman, and sat well in 
his saddle. They seemed intended for each other, 
steed and rider ; both seemed to have high spirit 
and good blood in them ; and, in sooth, the steep 
and rugged mountain path they had to traverse put 
them both to the test. 

He had a red feather in his cocked hat, and the 
snow-white curls of his regimental Kamillies wig 
flowed over the low-cut collar of his wide-skirted, 
scarlet coat. He wore fine lace ruffles, and long 
black riding-boots. 

The Grenadiers had all conical caps of blue 
cloth, shaped like episcopal mitres, but with scarlet 
flaps in front, whereon was worked in worsted the 
white horse of Hanover. Their wide skirts and 
loose sleeves were all looped up, and they marched 
with their pouches open and fuses in their hands. 

The rest had their bayonets fixed and arms 
loaded. * 

Ere long the silence of the vast solitude on 

14 


210 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


which they were entering — the utter absence of 
all appearance of life or inhabitants — made Cap- 
tain Clifford begin to dread a surprise. Anon, even 
the voices of his men died away ; they began to 
speak in whispers, and as the purple shadows deep- 
ened amid that tremendous mountain scenery, they 
kept closer in their ranks, and looked anxiously 
about them, and at the narrow pass in front. 

The arms taken at Inversnaid had, more than 
ever, completely equipped the Clan Gregor ; so 
now, in the gloomy gorge of Aberfoyle, one of the 
greatest barriers between the Gael and the Low- 
lander, were posted in ambush one hundred and 
sixty marksmen armed with muskets. Under 
Alaster Roy and Coll, eighty manned one side of 
the pass, and as many under Greumoch were on 
the other. 

There, too, was little Ronald, crouching among 
the thick heather, armed with a long horse-pistol, 
and intent on deadly mischief, if he could see Ma- 
jor Huske, who he vowed should pay dear for his 
basket of trout. 

Well did Rob and his men know that, if con- 
quered, death and decimation awaited them, to- 
gether with the utter ruin — it might be the extir- 
potion — of their families ; for the terrible massacre 
at Glencoe was still fresh in all their memories. 

Moreover, they remembered that this spot was 
one of good augury ; for there, in the days of their 
grandsires, a fierce encounter took place with a 
body of Cromwell’s soldiers, who were cut to pieces. 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


211 


and some of whom were buried in a grave which 
yet remains by the wayside. 

Under Rob Roy in person, the main body of his 
men lay concealed right in front of the marching 
soldiers. 

Sombre twilight was stealing now across tht 
deeper glens, but a bright glory of sunshine ye^ 
.lighted the vast mountain cones that towered above 
the valley. 

Clifford and his officers frequently uttered excla- 
mations expressive of admiration, for the vale of 
Aberfoyle, with its splintered rocks, abrupt preci- 
pices, and richly-wooded hills, is singularl}^ beauti- 
ful ,* but when Loch Ard began to open its sheet of 
water on their view, gleaming like a golden shield 
in the last light of the western sky, the scene be- 
came more lovely still. 

The dusky iolar was seen winging his way to his 
eyry in the craggy steeps ; and the sweet notes of 
the druidhUj or Alpine blackbird, rang loudly from 
the hazel woods ; while the wild goat, perched on 
a sharp pinnacle, with his long beard floating on 
the wind, looked down on the marching troops. 

Above hills covered with oak and birch, that 
waved in the evening breeze like ostrich plumes, 
above even the saffron clouds, Ben Lomond towered 
into the ^ray mist ; and far across the placid lake 
fell its shadow with that of the isle that holds the 
ruined tower of Murdoch, Duke of Albany ; while 
far in the distance rose the Alps of Arroquhar, 
with their summits hid in mist, or capped still with 
the last year’s snow. 


212 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Such was the scene that opened beyond the 
dark and narrow defile on which the soldiers were 
entering. 

A sergeant and three men to the front — double 
quick ! cried Captain Clifford, as certain undefin- 
able suspicions crossed his mind on seeing that 
some large boulder-stones had been dislodged from 
the rocks above, and were hurled down on the nar- 
row pathway, as if to form a barricade. Grena- 
diers,’’ he added, blow your fuses ; be ready to 
throw your grenades, and fall on at a moment’s 
notice.” 

Still nothing was seen, though five hundred men 
and more were crouching within musket range — 
crouching amid the long green braken, the thick 
purple heather, and the wild bloom which grew so 
luxuriantly that the crows and magpies built their 
nests in it; but the tartans of the Highlanders 
blended with the colors of nature so admirably 
that they were still unseen, when at last the whole 
detachment, officers and men, were between the 
muzzles of the musketeers who lay in ambush on 
both sides of that narrow and gloomy gorge, and 
already the sergeant and his three advanced files 
were clambering over the boulders and stones that 
lay beyond the ambush. 

Before MacGregor’s horn could give the signal, 
his son Ronald, unable longer to restrain his anger 
and enthusiasm, fired his pistol, and the ball struck 
Clifford’s holsters. 

Then red fire flashed fiercely from both sides of 
the dusky hollow, as a hundred and sixty muskets 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


218 


poured tlieir adverse volleys on the unfortunate 
soldiers, who in a moment were panic-stricken, 
thrown into confusion — a huddled mass — above 
■ their dead and dying. 

Springing from amid the gray rocks, the Mac- 
Gregors, with a simultaneous shout, flung down 
their plaids and muskets, drew their claymores, 
and amid the white curling smoke, rushed down 
ward to the charge. 

Steady, men, steady ! ’’ cried Captain Clifford, 
loudly and rapidly. Grenadiers to the centre ! 
Keep shoulder to shoulder, and face outwards — 
close up in your ranks, and bayonet them as they 
come on ! Be firm, my Royal Fusileers ! ’’ 

Firm, in the king’s name, and we shall yet 
bear back these Highland savages ! ” added Captain 
Dorrington, a brave officer who had served in the 
war of the Spanish succession. 

Leaping over bank, bush, and rock, with heads 
stooped behind their targets in the usual Celtic 
fashion, their bodies bent, and sword and dirk in 
hand, down came the MacGregors, in front and on 
both flanks, like a herd of wild cats, all yelling, 
Ard choille ! ard choille ! Dhia agus ar du- 
thaich ! ” 

A confused volley was fired by the soldiers ; but 
almost before the bayonets could be brought from 
the ^‘present” to the charge,” the swordsmen 
were among them. Stooping heloio the charged 
bayonets, they tossed them upward by the target, 
dirking the front rank men with the left hand, 
while stabbing or hewing down the rear rank men 


214 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


with the right ; thus, as usual in all Highland on 
sets, the whole body of soldiers was broken, trod 
under foot, and dispersed in a moment ! 

These were the whole tactics of the Scottish 
Highlanders. Hence their clan battles, no matter 
how many swordsmen might be engaged, seldom 
lasted more than five minutes. It was usually an 
instantaneous charge — a rout — a killing, and all 
was over ! 

Captain Dorrington rushed sword in hand upon 
Greumoch, who, by a single blow with his Lochaber 
axe, clove him literally through hat and wig to the 
teeth ; tluen, by the hook of tfie same weapon, he 
dragged Captain Clitford from his saddle, and would 
have slain him had not Rob Roy strode across the 
fallen officer, and, by receiving the blow on his own 
target, saved him. 

Several soldiers, who had burst out of the press, 
leaped behind rocks and stones, from whence they 
opened a desultory fire ; but they were soon pur- 
sued, and cut down or pistoled. 

The whole detachment would have been destroyed 
in a few minutes, had not Rob Roy, towering over 
the throng, shouted in English, and with a voice 
that rose above the shrieks and shouts, the clash of 
weapons, and explosion of fire-arms, which woke a 
thousand echoes in the narrow pass, the overhang-: 
ing rocks and mountains, — 

“ Surrender, yield — lay down your arms ! on 
your lives lay them down, and I promise you all 
quarter, — I, the Red MacGregor ! 

On hearing this, his own men partly drew back. 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


215 


and many a claymore was withdrawn from a thrust, 
or lowered from a cut, and the firing instantly 
ceased. 

“ You hear what I have said. Captain Clifibrd,’^ 
exclaimed Rob Roy ; to resist now is to court 
death. I know you are too brave a soldier to deem 
rashness is valor.’’ 

Unfix your bayonets, my lads, and ground your 
arms. Grenadiers, extinguish your matches,” cried ' 
Captain Clifford, sullenly. Our time for sure ven- 
geance shall come anon. But what manner of man 
are you, sir,” he added, turning fiercely to Rob 
Roy, “ who dare thus attack the king’s troops on 
the open highway ? ” 

The pass of Aberfoyle, which leads to the coun- 
try of Clan Alpine, is not an open highway, as you, 
captain, have found to your cost ; and as for me, I 
am the man your king and laws have made me,” 
replied MacGregor, sternly. 

Sir, is not our king yours ? ” 

“ Nay, sir. You serve the Elector of Hanover. 
Our king is far away in France, beyond the sea ; 
but we are his true liege men, nevertheless. We 
have no time to spend in talking, captain. The 
night darkens fast, and the sooner your men with 
the wounded get out of the Highland bounds the 
better. Do not be cast down, my friends,” said he, 
still speaking English to the prisoners, who were 
now huddled together in a crowd, and surrounded 
by the armed MacGregors ; “ you are not the first 
men who have come into the Highlands to shear ' 
and have gone home closely shorn.” 


216 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


But your terms : our fate, Mr. Rob Roy Camp- 
bell ? ” began Clifford, in a blundering way. 

“ ^Sdeath and fury ! exclaimed Rob ; call me 
Campbell again, and I shall cleave you to the belt!’^ 

Excuse me ; but I do not understand all this,’’ 
said the officer ; are you not named MacGregor 
Campbell ? ” 

Yes ; by tyrannical acts of Parliament, which I 
treat with the scorn they merit.” 

Well, sir ; your terms ? ” 

“Are these, — Surrender your arms and ammuni- 
tion ; leave the Highland border, and be gone to 
England or the Lowlands ; let us see you no more 
in the country of the Clan Gregor.” 

“ The Lowlands,” said Clifford, haughtily ; “ sir, 
we are quartered in the castle of Dumbarton.” 

“ Where you are quartered, captain, is nothing 
to me.” 

“ There will be a bloody reckoning for this,” said 
Clifford, through his clenched teeth, as he gazed 
sadly on the mangled body of his poor friend and 
comrade. Captain Dorrington. “ Chief, have you 
no fear for the future ? ” 

“I fear nothing,” replied Rob, haughtily; “more- 
over, I am no chief, but a simple Highland gentle- 
man, whom wrong and tyranny have driven to des- 
peration. You have yet to learn, sir, that though 
the king may create a titled noble. Heaven alone 
can make a Highland chief.” 

The English officer shrugged his shoulders, and 
gave a disdainful smile, for to his ears this sounded 
like mere rhodomontade. 


THE FIGHT AT ABERFOYLE. 


217 


you, Captain Clifford/^ resumed Rob Roy, 

I return your sword. -«The arms of your men I 
V retain for the service of King James and the pro- 
tection of my own people. I restorb you all to lib- 
erty; but bear this message to the Saxon Governor 
of Dumbarton, to General Carpenter, or whoever 
sent you hither, that of the next band which on a 
, hostile errand enters the country of Rob Roy, not 
one shall return alive if I can help it — not one, 
by the blessed God of my forefathers, and by St. 
Colme of Iona, for they shall be cut off root and 
branch, and the eagle of the hill shall alone tell 
their fate.” He pressed his bare dirk to his lips 
^as he spoke, and many of his men followed the 
example. “ Go, sir ; and may we never meet 
again. My foster-brother, with a hundred of my 
men, shall escort you as far as Bucklyvie to assist 
in 'bearing your wounded. After . reaching that 
place you will be safe from all molestation. Fare- 
well. Strike up, Alpine ! ” he said to the piper, 
while saluting the captain with one hand and 
sheathing his sword with the other. 

Then, as the disarmed band of soldiers, after , 
getting, by Rob’s orders, a good dram of whiskey 
each, carrying or supporfing their wounded, and 
escorted by MacAleister with a hundred picked 
men, proceeded in the shadowy gloaming down 
the dark and rugged pass of Aberfoyle, Alpine’s 
great war-pipe woke its many echoes with the tri- 
umphant pibroch of “ Glenfruin.” 

Only two MacGregors were killed, so instanta- 
neous had been their onset ; but ten redcoats lay 


218 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


dead in the pa^s; and these the MacGregors bu- 
ried, with reverence, by the wayside, where their 
tomb may yet be' seen. 

Encouraged by this victory to attempt greater 
enterprises, MacGregor now resolved to break 
down into the Lowlands, to carry off the spoil of 
his enemies; and remembering that it was about 
the time when the rents of his great enemy, the 
Duke of Montrose, were collected, he conceived 
the idea of visiting the chamberlain oh the rent- 
day, of putting the whole money in his own 
pocket, and, to punish his grace for old scores, to 
carry off the obnoxious Killearn bodily into the 
mohntains. 

As the runnels from a hundred hills unite in 
one, and form a mighty stream,’’ said he, in a stir- 
ring address to his followers, so must all the 
branches of our outraged^ people now converge 
in one. From Glengyle and Glenstrae, from Men- 
teith and Balquhidder, let us muster and march, — 
march down on those sons of little men, the Lowland- 
ers ; and they shall shrink before us like dry leaves 
beneath the lightning ! Our forefathers sleep on 
Inchcailloch ; but we, alas ! must find our graves 
on the mountain-side, where nothing shall mark 
them to future times but a gray cairn or a greener 
spot amid the purple heather.” 

Down on the mongrel bodachs — down on the 
Whigamores ! ” responded his followers, brandish- 
ing their swords with almost savage glee ; for to 
the Highlander then the single word Whig express- 
ed the acme of anything that was sordid, mean, 
and treacherous to king apd country. 


ROB SEIZES THE RENTS OF MONTROSE. 219 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

ROB SEIZES THE RENTS OF MONTROSE. 

It was about the middle of summer, in the year 
1717, when Rob Roy, leaving the main body of his 
followers, under his son Coll, posted among the hills 
of Buchanan, where they had collected a great 
herd of cattle, the spoil of their hereditary enemies, 
set forth with twenty men and his favorite piper, 
Alpine, on a visit to Killearn. 

MacAleister and Greumoch were, of course, 
among these chosen twenty, who were literally his 
Leine a chrios, — the select men of his followers, 
meaning in English his shirt of mail,’^ or children 
of the belt, — men at all times ready to support, 
obey, defend, or die for him. 

Fearing that Killearn might obtain tidings of 
his approach, and take to flight with his grace of 
Montrose’s money, Rob marched towards his resi- 
dence with great secrecy and rapidity ; and, avoid- 
ing the highways, passed through woods and de- 
files, and about twelve in the forenoon presented 
himself suddenly at the Place of Killearn, as Gra- 
hame’s mansion is still named. 

It stands a mile and a half south of the village 
of Killearn, at the western extremity of Strath- 
blane, in Stirlingshire ; and having been built in 
1688, it was then surrounded by clumps of wood 
and plantations. 


220 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


, Here MacGregor was inforraed by the terrified 
household that the laird was at the Inn of Chapel- 
erroch, where the tenantry of the duke had been 
summoned to pay their rents ; so he departed at 
once, with a threat, that if they deceived him he 
would return and burn the house to the ground. 

He soon reached the inn, which stands half-way 
between Buchanan House (the duke’s residence) 
and the village of Drymen ; and close by it he 
placed his men in a copse-wood. 

Killearn, with many of the duke’s tenants, was 
in the dining-room, and he had already given re- 
ceipts for a large sum of money, when the sound 
of a bagpipe w^as heard approaching. The air 
played, Up wi’ the Campbells and down wi’ the 
Grahames,” betokening something hostile, they 
hurried to the windows, and great was the con- 
sternation of Killearn when he beheld Rob Roy, 
but alone, or preceded only by the piper, Alpine, 
advancing straight to the door of the inn. 

Though in terror that his own life might be the 
forfeit of the proceedings instituted against Rob 
nine years before, he sought to preserve his mas- 
ter’s property, and gathering up his rent-rolls, re- 
ceipts, and the bags containing the money, he 
flung them into a loft above the room. 

At that moment the door was thrown open, and 
with a respect that was in no way assumed, the 
landlord ushered in Rob Roy, fuUy armed, with a 
smile on his lip and irony in his clear gray eye, 
while Alpine remained, as a sentinel at the en- 
trance of the inn. 


ROB SEIZES THE RENTS OF MONTROSE. 221 


“ God save all here 1 ” said MacGregor, bowing. 

“ A hundred thousand welcomes ! ’’ replied Kill- 
earn, whose dapper little figure trembled in his 
buckled shoes, and he nervously fingered the 
breeches-bible that was always in one of the large 
flapped pockets of his square-skirted black velvet 
coat. He trembled so much that the powder of 
his wig floated like a cloud about his head, as it 
was shaken from the curls. 

On this occasion Eob wore a short, green jacket, 
profusely laced with silver ; a long, red waistcoat, 
and scarlet woollen shirt open at the neck; a belted 
plaid, and pair of deerskin hose and cuarans elabo- 
rately cut and tied with thongs. His sporan was 
ornamented with silver, and closed by a curious 
lock, which concealed two pistol-barrels that were 
always loaded, and would infallibly blow to pieces 
the hands of any person attempting to open it while 
ignorant of its secret springs. (This singular clasp 
is now preserved in the Museum of Antiquities at 
Edinburgh.) In his bonnet was a long eaglets 
feather, a tuft of pine, and the proscribed white 
.cockade. 

His lawless and predatory life had imparted a 
wild expression to his eye, and a boldness to his 
bearing, that impressed all present ; but one of 
the duke^s farmers, named MacLaren, gathering 
courage, pushed a bottle of wine, and another of 
whiskey, towards him, saying, with affected confi- 
dence, — 

“ You will drink with us, MacGregor ? ” 

^‘That will I do, blithely,^’ replied Eob, as he 


222 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


filled up a silver quaich with whiskey, and drank it 
off, previously giving the old Highland toast, — 
The Hills, the Glens, and the People 
He then laid his sword and pistols on the table, 
and, presenting his little crooked snufif-muU to go 
round the company, in token of amity, he said, — 

“ Keep your seats, gentlemen, pray ; do not let 
me interrupt you,” and proceeded to partake of 
the cold roasted meat, the bread, cheese, and wine, 
which had been provided as a repast for the ten- 
ants, about thirty of whom were in the room. 

While Rob was eating, the spirits of the party 
rose, and the bottle went cheerfully round, till he 
called to the piper, who stood outside the inn near 
the open windows, — 

^‘Alpine, strike up GlenfruinP 
On hearing this order, which seemed the fore- 
runner of mischief, the chamberlain and tenants 
exchanged glances of uneasiness, which in no way 
subsided when Rob stuck his pistols in his belt, 
and snatched his sword, as his henchman and 
other followers burst into the room, with clay- 
mores drawn, and ranged themselves at the door 
and windows, precluding all chances of escape. 

Now, Killearn,” said Rob, for the first time ad- 
dressing his enemy, you will, perhaps, have the 
kindness to inform me how you have come on with 
your collection of his grace’s rents ? ” ^ 

Hesitation and fear made the factor silent. 

Speak ! ” exclaimed Rob, impatiently. 

I have got nothing yet,” stammered Killearn. 


ROB SEIZES THE RENTS OF MONTROSE. 223 


How ! nothing from all this goodly company ? 
asked Rob, with a deepening frown. 

I have not yet begun to collect.” 

“ Come, come, chamberlain ; I know you of old, 
and so your tricks and falsehoods will not pass 
with me. I must reckon with you fairly by the 
book. Produce at once your ledger I ” 

Killearn, with the perspiration oozing on his 
temples, stilh hesitated, and began to protest; but 
Rob laid his watch on the table, and, cocking one 
of his steel pistols, said, with assumed calmness, — 

Killearn, I give you but three minutes to reflect 
and to obey me.” 

In terror of death the chamberlain grew deadly 
pale, and looked sick at heart, while a glassy stare 
dimmed both his eyes, which wandered from the 
dial of the watch to the muzzle of the pistol, and 
then to the blank faces of the shrinking farmers, 
who were seated at the table as if rooted to their 
chairs. 

One minute has already passed,” said Rob, as 
he began to hum an air, a sure sign that further 
mischief was not far off ; so Killearn, seeing the ^ 
utter futility of resistance, produced his rental- 
book and bags of money. 

Now, Killearn, this is" acting like a sensible 
man,” said Rob Roy, as he uncocked the pistol, 
and placed the watch in his pocket ; so help 
yourself and take a dram, while I examine your 
accounts.” 


224 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

KILLEARN CARRIED OFF. 

Rob Roy turned over leaf after leaf of the 
ledger, examined the whole of the rental, drew 
from the farmers those sums which the .chamber- 
lain had not yet received, and, pocketing a total 
of X3,227. 2s. 8d. (Scots), with great formality 
granted receipts in full. 

“ I will have a due count and reckoning,’’ said 
he, with the Duke of Montrose, when his grace 
repays me the sum of 3,400 merks Scots — — ” 

For what ?” asked Killearn, gathering courage. 

^^Dare you ask me for what? For the havoc 
made on my property by the troops- whom Lord 
Cadogan sent to Craigrostan, and to burn my 
dwelling-house at Auchinchisallan ; to say nothing 
^ of the heirship of my lands at Inversnaid. When 
all these damages have been repaired and repaid, I 
will then consider the older scores (anent oiif un- 
lucky cattle speculation) that exist between your 
master and me.” 

Suppose all this were done,” said Killearn, 
would you give up your predatory habits, which 
keep the whole Highland border in hot water ; and 
would you teach your people those of industry ? ” 
Killearn, as for predatory habits, think you a 
Highlander ever felt liis conscience prick him for 


KILLEARN CARRIED OFF. 


225 


taking spreatJis of cattle from his natural foemen, 
the Lowlanders ? And as for habits of industry, a 
kilted duinewassal at a shop-counter, or seated at 
the loom, would be like an eagle in a cage, or a 
red-deer yoked to a plough,” said Eob, with an 
angry laugh. 

‘^How will this wild life of yours end, Mac- 
Gregor ? ” 

where yoit anxiously wish it may end, — on 
the gallows-tree ; but it shall end when our wrongs 
are righted.” 

At civil law you have ” 

/^What!” interrupted MacGregor, with a fierce 
and hollow laugh, would you have me, upon whose 
head a price has been set for these nine years past, 
sneak into the Lawyers’ Court at Dunedin, among 
truculent Whigs and psalm-singing pharisees, to 
crave and beg the restoration of my patrimony ? 
The hills, with all their woods and waters, were 
given to the Gael in the days of old to be their 
dwelling-place and inheritance, and none but He 
hath a right to deprive us of them.” 

^^Then we part in peace, MacGregor?” urged 
Killearn. 

Part ! — far from it, my good chamberlain,” said 
Eob. ' • 

How ? ” asked Killearn, uneasily. 

“ I must have the pleasure of your company with 
me into the Highlands.” 

Killearn again grew deadly pale, and faltered 
out, — 

For what purpose ? ” 

15 


226 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


To be kept as a hostage until Montrose pays 
me the sum of 3,400 merks, which he is justly owing 
me.” 

If he refuses ? ” 

Then I will hang you, John Grahame of Kil- 
learn, on the highest tree that grows by the banks 
of Loch Katrine ! Away with him, Greumoch. 
Good-night, gentlemen all. Alpine, strike up.; the 
glomain grows apace, and we must begone to the 
mountains* with speed.” 

In less than an hour after this the unfortunate 
factor found himself on the march with Rob Roy^s 
men among the hills of Buchanan, from whence 
the whole clan, with their spoil, departed under 
cloud of night, by Auchintroig and Gartmore, and 
through the pass of Aberfoyle towards the Tros- 
sachs. 

* 

In irony the piper played before him all the way, 
till, at a place near Loch Ard, Alpine suddenly 
stopped as they passed a green knoll. 

Why do you pause ? ” asked MacGregor. 

Alpine pointed to the green knoll. It was a 
haunt of the fairies, who had decoyed therein his 
own grandfather, also a piper (for he played the 
clan into the action of Glenfruin), and he was seen 
no more ^11 on a Halloween night, about fifty years 
after. His son, then an aged man, on passing, saw 
the hillock open like a chamber, and his father, still 
young and beardless; playing vigorously to hun- 
dreds of quaint little dancers in green doublets and 
conical hats. 

On finding himself conveyed into that Highland 


KTLLEARN CARRIED OFF. 


227 


wilderness, whither few Lowland ers dared to ven- 
ture in those days, all hope for the future died 
away in the heart of the unhappy Grahame of Kil- 
learn. 

Chance of escape he had none. He was secured 
by a rope round his waist, and this was tied to the 
girdle of Greumoch MacGregor, who, regardless of 
the failing strength and weak limbs of the dapper 
little chamberlain, marched sullenly on, with his 
pole-axe on his shoulder, a short tobacco-pipe in his 
mouth, nnd his vast plaid floating behind him, 
dragging his prisoner over rocks and stones, up 
steep ascents and down foaming water-courses, 
without pity or remorse, and without giving him 
time either to breathe or implore rest and pity. 

With growing terror Grahame remembered his 
treatment of the wife of MacGregor, when he pil- 
laged Inversnaid, though under color and authority 
of the civil law ; he knew that it was by his coun- 
sels that the powerful Duke of Montrose had ruined 
poor Rob, and driven him to the hill-side as an out- 
law and reiver ; and he gave himself up for utterly 
lost when the wild pass of Aberfoyle closed upon 
the rear of the marching band, and the vast spoil 
of cattle they had collected at the point of the 
sword. 


228 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 
killearn’s fate. 

Rob Rot conveyed his prisoner to the head of 
Loch Katrine, and by the time he arrived there, 
exhausted by toil, by the rough nature of the steep 
paths he had been forced to traverse with such 
unwonted celerity, and, moreover, being in con- 
stant fear of a dreadful death by hanging on a tree, 
being drowned like a cur with a stone at his neck, 
or being shot by a platoon of MacGregors, the un- 
happy Killearn was in a deplorable plight, and had 
long since become quite passive in the hands of his 
captors. 

By order of Rob Roy, Greumoch placed him in a 
boat, and rowed him to an island in the loch, now 
well known to tourists as Ellen^s Isle ; ” it was 
covered with the richest copse-wood, and there, in 
a hut, with Greumoch and another equally grim 
Celt to watch him, Killearn remained in captivity, 
during which nothing was known of his fate in the 
Lowlands, until he was permitted to write to the 
duke. 

This letter, which he was compelled to date from 
Chapelerroch, lest the real place of his detention 
should become known, acquainted the duke that 
he was the helpless prisoner of Rob Roy, who was 
resolved to detain him until a ransom of 3,400 merks 


KILLEARN^S PATE. 


229 


Scots was paid for the damage by Lord Cadogan’s 
troops at Craigrostan and Auchinchisallan ; adding, 
jnoreover, that he would receive “ hard usage if any 
military party was sent after him.’’ 

In breathless suspense poor Mr. Grahame waited 
for a reply, but the duke was in London, the means 
and the mode of postal transmission were slow in 
those days, and no answer came to his prayer. 

Greumoch frequently terrified him by saying he 
should be cut joint from joint and sent to London 
in a hamper, packed in heather, like a haunch of 
venison for the duke’s table. 

After being detained a considerable time, one 
day, when hope of release was becoming more and 
more faint, Killearn saw a boat pulled by eight 
sturdy rowers in MacGregor tartan, the chief col- 
ors of which are red, green, and black, coming 
down the loch from Glengyle. 

It reached, the island, and a tall, armed High- 
lander, in whom he recognized Rob Roy, leaped 
ashore, and advanced towards the hut, followed by 
several of his men; 

Killearn, believing that his last hour had arrived, 
and that they had come to execute him, drew forth 
his breeches-bible with trembling hands, and so 
much did his tongue fail him that he could scarcely 
reply to Rob’s courteous but ironical salute. 

Killearn,” said he, I am come to set you at 
liberty. Montrose, your master, has proved as 
treacherous ' to you as he has been to me. Little 
recks he whether I hang you on one of those trees, 
or give yon a swim in the loch with a stone at your 


230 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


neck ! You are free ; and this you must admit is 
very different treatment to that which I should ex- 
perience if our circumstances were reversed, and 
I were your prisoner, as now you are mine. Re- 
turn, with this advice from me : Collect no more 
the rents of that land from whence I took you, as I 
mean to be factor there myself in future.’^ 

You, MacG-regor ? ” 

I, — and what matter is there for wonder ? All 
that country which Montrose and more than he 
brink and boast as their own is .but a portion of the 
heritage of Clan Alpine. By false attainder and 
studied legal villanies we have lost it ; thus what- 
ever is possessed by the Grahames, the Murrays, 
and the Drummonds is ours, and ours it shall be 
with the help of God and our good claymores ! ” 

He then restored to the bewildered Killearn all 
his papers, receipts, and rental-book, and sent him 
under an escort homeward through the pass of 
Aberfoyle as far as the hills of Buchanan. 

On this man, who had so greatly aided in his 
ruin, and who had so grossly ihsulted his wife, he 
thus took no personal satisfaction,” says a writer, 
which certainly shows the mildness of his charac- 
ter, when we consider the habits and mode of think- 
ing of the Highlanders of his day.” 

In accordance with his threat, he now proceeded 
to summon the whole heritors and farmers of the 
western district of Stirlingshire to meet him in the 
old church of Drymen, there to pay the black-mail 
which for some time past they had neglected to 
send to his nephew Glengyle. 


killearn’s fate. 


231 


On the appointed day he marched there with 
five hundred men fully armed, and took possession 
of the ancient church, which, as tradition avers, the 
Wizard Napier (whose castle is close by) removed 
from another place to its present site. 

The .land here belonged chiefly to the Grahames 
of Montrose and Gartmore, yet such was the terror 
of MacGregor’s name, that all the farmers attended 
and duly paid the usual tribute, — all at least save 
one, who was bold enough to decline compliance ; 
in consequence of which his lands were instantly 
swept of everything that could be carried off, or 
driven into the mountains. 

Immediately on his return from London, the Duke 
of Montrose applied to the Scottish commander-in- 
chief, Lieutenant-General Carpenter, for a sufficient 
body of troops to repress,^ if not totally root out, 
the MacGregors, who were now feasting in ease, 
triumph, and jollity on the plunder of his estates, in 
their fastnesses at the head of Loch Katrine. 

Rob Roy gave a grand entertainment in the old 
Highland fashion at Portnellan, and the jovialty was 
great, for the formerly poor and penniless members 
of the clan he had enriched by the spoil of their 
oppressors. 

On this occasion deer and beeves were roasted 
whole, and laid on hurdles or spars placed athwart 
the trunks of trees, so arranged as to form a rustic 
table, at which hundreds could seat themselves. 
For a hall they had the open valley, bordered by 
the' great mountains that look down on Glengyle, 
canopied by the mists and clouds of heaven; in 


232 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the distance the blue water and the wooded isles 
of Loch Katrine, all reddening in the setting sun, 
and overshadowed by the vast summit of Ben- 
venue. 

Alpine and other pipers played, nor were harp- 
ers from the Western Isles wanting to make music 
there, and plenteous libations of whiskey (that 
never paid duty to the king), of claret landed by 
French smugglers, and of Helen’s home-brewed ale, 
went round in stoups and quaichs and luggies. 

There on Bob’s right hand sat his aged mother, 
with the little English boy, Harry Huske, upon 
her knee ; for the child was alternately the plaything 
and pet of her and of her daughter-in-law, Helen 
MacGregor. 

After this great open-air banquet, reels were 
danced on the smooth turf, and torches of blazing 
pine were tied to poles when the light of the long, 
clear midsummer night began to fail. 

But lo ! a sudden gathering of dark clouds, and 
the playing of green lightning about the summit of 
Benvenue, announced a coming storm, warning all 
to separate and seek shelter ere midnight came. 
Many supposed the sudden storm which so rapidly 
followed this entertainment was ominous of coming 
evil ; but a few hours after it was discovered to 
have been the means, perhaps, of saving Bob Boy 
and all his followers from death or capture. 


GREUMOCH TAKEN. 


233 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 

GREtJMOCH TAKEN. 

On the evening of the rustic banquet, in compli- 
ance with the request of the Duke of Montrose, 
three bodies of troops were on their march, by 
three different routes, to surprise the whole of the 
MacGregors. 

One party of the 15th Foot (then as we have 
said ^called Harrison^s Regiment) advanced from 
Glasgow; another of the South British Fusileers, 
under Major Huske, came from Stirling, accom- 
panied by the ungrateful Grahame of Killearn as 
Sherijff Depute of Dumbartonshire; and a third 
party consisting of the Scots Royals (or 1st Regi- 
ment of the Line) advanced from Finlarig. 

But their marching was slow and devious, for 
the country was strange, especially to the English 
troops, none of whom could be quartered in Scot- 
land prior to the Union in 1707. The Highlands 
were then without roads, and the Government pos- 
sessed “no correct map of those unexplored re- 
gions,which,’’ as -a recent writer says, “were almost 
as little known south of the Tweed — or we may 
rather say south of the Tay — as the African des- 
erts, or the interior of North America.’^ 

Hence, a night-march among those pathless 
mountains was an arduous task in these times; 


^34 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

and on this occasion the rain descended in blind- 
ing torrents ; the water-courses became white cas- 
cades ; mere runnels were swollen to streams, and 
streams became dark, impassable floods. The 
guides led the troops astray, either wilfully or by 
mischance ; so that all arrived too late at the pass- 
es, and ere the storm was fairly over, Rob Roy 
(whom they had hoped to pounce upon when in 
bed) had intelligence of his unwelcome visitors, 
and got all his men under arms. 

Some firing took place about daybreak, and the 
king’s troops retreated, after the loss of only one 
man, a grenadier, who was shot by Coll MacGreg- 
or, from the summit of a rock ; but in retiring the 
Scots Royals captured and carried off* Rob’s right- 
hand man and long-tried follower, poor Greumoch 
MacGregor, who was immediately transferred to 
the Tolbooth of Creiff*.^ 

Greumoch had been taken when lurking in the 
clachan of Aberfoyle, a circle consisting of ten 
large stones, a druidical temple, situated on rising 
ground, near the Parish manse. 

On tidings Teaching Edinburgh that thi& impor- 
tant outlaw had been captured. Brigadier George 
Preston, of Valleyfield, governor of the castle, de- 
spatched a sergeant and six troopers of Campbell’s 
Dragoons (the Scots Grays) to Creiff, where they 
received Greumoch, with strict orders to watch 

* “ Feb. — , 1717, Gremoch Gregorach, airt and part with Rob Roy, 

alias MacGregor, in seizing of Grahame of Killearn ; robbing him 

and carrying him away, and detaining him a prisoner several days. A 
party ordered to be sent by Brigadier Preston to guard him from Crieff 
Gaol to Edinburgh.” — Records of the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. 


GREUMOCH TAKEN. 


235 


him by day and night until delivered to the civil 
authorities, and safely lodged in the heart of Mid- 
lothian. Being the first of Bob’s men who had 
fallen into their hands, and moreover being that 
bold outlaw’s chief follower and kinsman, it was 
resolved by rope, by axe, and knife to make a ter- 
rible example of him by a public execution — to 
have him hanged, drawn, and quartered. 

But in all these barbarities they were nearly 
anticipated by the burghers of Crieff, who hated 
the Celts for repeatedly burning their town, and 
a mob followed the captive, shouting, — 

The wuddy — the wuddy ! a tow — a tow ! let 
him fynd the wecht o’ himsel by the craig!” (which 
meant in English — ^^The gallows — the gallows ! a 
rope — a rope ! let him feel the weight of himself 
by the neck ! ”) 

So cried the Lowlanders, as Greumoch was con- 
ducted by the troopers, not, as the mob expected, 
to the fatal circle at the Gallow-hill, where the 
Stewards of Strathearn held their courts of old, 
but away on the road that led to the south. 

Bound upon a horse, the sergeant marched his 
prisoner through the long and lovely valley of the 
Earn ; with carbines loaded, a trooper rode on each 
side of him, with orders to shoot him down if he 
attempted to escape. 

A village near Dunblane formed their first halt- 
ing place. There one of the troopers, who seemed 
less rough than his comrades, gave Greumoch a. 
dram, on which the sergeant said, — 

Come, Highlander, I’ll teach you a toast.” 


236 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Will you ? ’’ asked Greumocli, sullenly. 

“Yes — you dour-looking Redshank.’’ ^ 

“ Well — my glass is full.” 

“ Here’s to the health of King George — and to 
the confusion of his enemies, including Rob Roy, 
the Pope, the Devil, and the Pretender ! ” 

On hearing this offensive speech, Greumoch 
dashed the glass and its fiery contents full into 
the eyes of the sergeant, and half-blinded him. 

Inspired with rage, the non-commissioned ofScer 
ordered his men to secure the prisoner beyond all 
chance of escape during the night. The dragoons 
selected a. heavy old-fashioned chair, in which they 
placed Greumoch, and tied thereto his hands, arms, 
and legs, lacing about him some twenty yards of 
rope, the knots of which were tied behind; and 
now, deeming him secure beyond all hope of flight, 
they stabled their horses, threw off their accoutre- 
ments, applied themselves to the whiskey-bottle, 
and, after making very merry, retired to rest in 
the outer room. 

When all was dark and still, and poor Greumoch’s 
hands and limbs were fast becoming swollen, be- 
numbed, and stiff, — all but powerless, in conse- 
quence of the cruel manner in which the soldiers 
had bound him, — he remembered having seen a 
knife on the table, where the sergeant had left it 
by chance. 

Could he but reach that knife ! But, tied as he 
wa§, of what use could it be ? Yet there occurred 
to him an idea, which he resolved at once to put 
in practice. 


GREUMOCH TAKEN. 


237 


By vigorous, yet almost noiseless, efforts with 
his feet, he dragged the chair across the room to- 
wards the table. At last he reached it, and, after 
being so frequently baffled that he was about to 
relinquish the attempt in despair, he contrived to 
take up the knife in his mouth, and to grasp the 
handle firmly with his teeth. 

Then, by turning his head on each side alter 
nately, he applied the edge so successfully to the 
cords which crossed his should-ers, that he soon 
severed them. ' By this process he gradually got 
one hand loose ; but for many minutes it hung 
powerless by his side. However, anon he grasped 
the knife with it, and in a short time was free ,* but 
on rising from the chair, so much were his limbs 
benumbed, that he staggered like a tipsy man, and 
overturned both chair and table. ’ Heavily they 
fell with a crash on the fioor ! 

Greumoch rushed to the window, opened it, and 
leaped into the dark and silent street of the vil- 
. lage ; but at the same moment, from another win- 
dow of the house, two carbines flashed, and the 
balls whizzed past as the troopers fired at him in 
their shirts. 

“ You are only dragoons,’^ shouted Greumoch, in 
Gaelic ; and dragoons never hit anything ; so fire 
away ! 

Then, with a derisive laugh, he disappeared in 
the darkness. 


238 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

ROB^S NARROW ESCAPE. 

The Duke of Montrose began to despair of ever 
capturing Rob Roy or of conquering his men j but 
he distributed among his tenantry a great number 
of muskets, bayonets, and swords, with plenty of 
ammunition, that they might be able to defend 
themselves if attacked ; but all these military stores 
fell into the hands of the enemy, for Rob, Mac- 
Aleister, Greumoch, Coll, and other MacGregors, 
by a systematic series of attacks or visits in the 
nighf, disarmed all the tenants in succession; so 
the duke gained nothing by the arrangement. 

Another insurrection for the House of Stuajt 
was expected in the Highlands ; and as the Mac- 
Gregors, by their conflicts, raids, and depredations, 
had collected a great quantity of weapons, more 
than were requisite for their personal equipment, 
Rob Roy had all these carefully oiled, packed in 
well-greased cowhides, and buried in secret places, 
where perhaps many of them remain undiscovered 
to this day. 

The MacGregors daily became more daring, and 
sometimes drove away the cattle from the parks, 
beneath the very windows of Buchanan House, 
where the duke resided. The practice of lifting,’’ 
as it was termed, the cattle of a hostile clan was 


ROB’S NARROW ESCAPE. 


239 


then, and for many years after, common in the 
Highlands ; and as the feud between Rob and his 
grace was of the most bitter nature, he carried the 
system to the utmost extent. 

The duke’s rental was principally payable in 
kind. Thus Killearn had established large grana- 
ries for storing up corn, meal, butter, cheese, etc., 
at a place called Moulin and elsewhere, which he 
deemed secure. Yet at all these storehouses Rob 
Roy appeared regularly, when least expected, and 
demanded supplies of grain, .meal, or cheese for 
the use of his family, his followers, or for the poor 
people of the district, who were all devoted to him, 
for he was deemed the friend and father, protector 
and champion, of all who were necessitous, unfor- 
tunate, or oppressed. 

For the quantities thus taken he regularly gave 
signed receipts, which stated that he took these 
goods as a return in some part for the property of 
which the duke had so unjustly deprived him ; and 
at times he frequently compelled the Montrose ten- 
antry to convey the goods thus appropriated to his 
house at Portnellan, or wherever they were re- 
quired. 

In his desperation Montrose resolved to attempt 
the capture of Rob in person, and applied to the 
Privy Council for authority to raise a body of horse 
and foot militia among his own dependants ; suppos- 
ing probably that they would be better suited to 
a warfare among the mountains than the troops of 
the line. 

It is said that the duke had such a dread of the 


240 


THE liDVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


greater or more active enmity of Rob Roy that, 
singularly enough, his name was intentionally, 
omitted, and the act was expressed in general 
terms, as being one to repress sorners, robbers, 
and brokem men — to raise the hue-and-cry after 
them, to recover the goods stolen by them, and to 
seize their persons.’’- 

In consequence of the state of society which 
then existed in the Highlands, where the people 
dwelt in tribes or communities and in sequestered 
glens which were separated by great mountain 
ridges, by pathless forests, while deep defiles or’ 
narrow passes formed the only access to the coun- 
try, sudden raids and onslaughts, if vigorously 
conducted, could be easily made, with great peril, 
however, and with certain subsequent vengeance. 

The two bodies of horse and foot now mustered 
and armed by Montrose were composed of men 
entirely devoted to him, and more or less antago- 
nistic to the MacGlregors, at whose hands they Imd 
all suffered severely. They wore the duke’s livery 
— blue coats faced with red, with trews of the 
Grahame tartan, and each wore in his bonnet a 
laurel leaf. There was not a man among them but 
had something to revenge in the shape of a farm 
burned, a kinsman slain, or a herd carried off ; so 
the measures now put in force against him com- 
pelled Rob Roy to be .more than- ever wary, for 
although hitherto most fortunate in all his achieve- 
ments and escapes, he could not hope to be always so. 

Selecting a time when many of the MacGregors 
were absent at distant fairs, on a dusky evening in 


Rob’s narrow escape. 


241 


the November of 1717, it was resolved to beat up 
Rob’s quarters. 

Assisted by a few of the horse grenadiers of 
MacDougal (now a lieutenant-colonel), the duke’s 
militia, led by a gentleman named Colonel Crahame, 
a brave and determined fellow, who had served 
under Charles XII. in his war with Russia, passed 
rapidly and unseen through the pass of Aberfoyle, 
and about midnight reached, the house and clachan 
of Portnellan, at the head of Loch Katrine. 

There was no moon, and all was dark and still ; 
not even a dog barked, when the house, which was 
thatched with heather, was completely surrounded 
on all sides by men with muskets loaded and bayo- 
nets fixed. The dragoons were led by the only 
unwilling member of the expedition — Willie Gem- 
mil, now a sergeant. 

The cottages wherein MacAleister, Greumoch, 
and others dwelt, adjoined the house of Rob, and 
formed a kind of small square, in the centre of 
which was a patch of ground, cultivated as a 
kitchen garden, and common to the whole com- 
munity. 

These cottages were built as such edifices are 
still constructed in the Highlands. The smoothed 
face of a rock made the floor ; several large bould- 
ers -of black whin formed the corners of the gables, 
and a few courses of turf plastered with clay made 
up the walls. On the rough pine cabers of the 
roof lay the thatch, composed of fern with its root 
ends outwards, and tied with ropes of twisted 
heather. 


16 


242 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


As these humble edifices burned like a heap of 
straw, Colonel Grahame said, — 

Fire all these, thatched roofs at once, and smoke 
the rascals out like foxes. Then shoot down every 
one who comes forth ! ” 

“ Nay, nay, colonel,^^ said an old officer, a quarter- 
master named James Stewart; under favor, sir, I 
will have no hand in such butcherly work. Our 
orders are 

To seize or destroy Rob Roy at all hazards 1 ” 
Yes ; but we have not King William’s sign- 
manual in our pockets to make another Glencoe at 
the head of Loch Katrine,” retorted the quarter- 
master. 

Sirrah — do you dispute my orders ? ” began 
the colonel, furiously, when sergeant Gemmil ap- 
proached, and said, — 

“ Please your honors, to fire the cottages would 
rouse the whole country on us, as if the fiery cross 
went through it; and we should all be cut to 
pieces, horse and man, before we could escape by 
Aberfoyle, or the pass of Loch Ard.” 

“ Egad, you are right, sergeant ; so let us beat 
up this rogue’s quarters more quietly,” replied 
Grahame. 

Though the house was humble, being merely a 
cottage with stone walls, the door was strong ; but 
it was soon dashed open by a musket butt ; then 
all shrunk back, with their bayonets at the charge, 
expecting MacGregor, like a baited lion, to spring 
forth upon them sword in hand, for all dreaded the 
length and strength of his arm ; but instead there 


RGB’s NARROW ESCAPE. 


243 


appeared only three women trembling in their 
nightdresses. 

One of these, an aged woman, was Rob’s mother j 
the others were Helen MacGregor and her foster- 
sister, who, when she married, had come with her 
from her father’s house of Comar, which stood on 
the eastern slope of Ben Lomond. 

On Colonel Grahame imperiously demanding • 
where Robert MacGregor Campbell was,” they 
assured him that he and all his followers were ab- 
sent; 'and that if this was doubted, the house might 
be searched. 

“Absent — where ? ” said Grahame, biting his 
long leather gauntlet with undisguised vexation. 

Ere the ladies could speak, a scout or spy named 
MacLaren — the same person whom Rob had met 
at the inn of Chapelerroch — arrived, breathlessly, 
to inform the colonel that on the preceding even- 
ing he had seen MacGregor with a chosen party of 
his men at a change-house, or way-side tavern, near 
Crianlarich in Strathfillan. 

“You are sure of this?” said the colonel, sternly 
and suspiciously. 

“ Sure as that I now address you, sir.” 

“ If this be true, you shall have ten guineas; but 
woe to you, rascal, if you deceive us ! Sergeant 
Gemmil, look to this fellow, and if he attempts to 
give us the slip before we reach Strathfillan shoot 
him down.” 

Leaving the farm-house untouched, for to fire 
it would have defeated the object in view, the 
colonel’s party, guided by the spy, proceeded up 


244 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Glengyle, thence across the Braes of Balquhidder ; 
and just as day began to brighten the mountain 
peaks, they found themselves at the lonely change- 
house of Crianlarich, which stood in a sequestered 
and pastoral part of Strathfillan. 

Bob Boy, as the spy informed them, was then in 
the house; but his men, to the number of twenty, 
occupied a barn which adjoined it. In that place 
they feared no surprise, and kept no watch ; thus. 
Colonel Grahame, when he dismounted and ap- 
proached the barn, on peeping through one of the 
air openings in the wall, saw the MacGregors lying 
asleep on some bundles of straw, with their swords, 
shields, and muskets beside them. 

You are right, fellow,” said he to MacLaren, to 
whom he gave at once the promised guineas. 

There are twenty rogues asleep here, and we shall 
cut them off to a man ; but the master thief must 
be taken before we rouse his followers. Then I‘ 
shall hang the keeper of this tavern, and burn it 
down, without studying the scruples of our quar- 
termaster,” he added, with a dark frown at Mr. 
Stewart. 

A dismounted trooper applied the heel of his 
heavy jack-boot to the door of the house, and with 
a single kick made it fly open. 

Softly though the troop had approached the dwell- 
ing, by riding on the grass or heather. Bob had 
heard them, and was up, clad, and armed, with his 
target braced upon his left arm, at the moment the 
door was broken open. 

He put forth his bonnet upon the point of a 





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“ He sprang upon them and cut down two."’ 





ROB’S NARROW ESCAPE. 


245 


stick, and, in the gray twilight of the morning, 
twenty muskets were discharged at it. Then, be- 
fore the soldiers could reload, he sprang upon them 
with a shout, and cut down two. The noise of the 
volley having brought all his men to their feet, 
they rushed from the barn and assailed the Gra- 
hames in the rear, driving them and the horse 
gfenadiers pell-mell round the house, and severely 
wounding several of them. 

To the hills ! to the hills ! and follow me I ” 
shouted Rob, as he slung his shield on his back, 
and dashed off at his utmost speed towards the 
mountains. 

Under a fire of muskets and carbines, he and his 
men crossed unhurt a torrent that foamed through 
the valley, and seeking a path, where few infantry, 
and certainly no cavalry could follow, they began 
a leisurely retreat up the mountains towards the 
head of Loch Lomond. 

Exasperated by this sudden and unlooked-for es- 
cape, Colonel Grahame ordered the horse to make 
a detour, and the infantry to follow in direct ,pur- 
suit. 

Then began a desultory skirmish, in which the 
MacGregors had all the advantage ; for their tar- 
tans blended with the dun-colored heather and 
green ferns, while the militia were fatally conspic- 
uous in their blue uniforms. Thus, several were 
shot, and MacAleister threw the spy, MacLaren, 
into a mill-race, near the House of Comar, where he 
was swept away, and drowned. 

After this, ^‘the Grahames thought proper to 


246 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


withdraw/’ and thus ended another attempt to 
capture Rob Roy. 

To avenge this defeat, and the capture of his 
factor, it is related in the ^‘Domestic Annals of 
Scotland,” that the Duke of Montrose got all his 
farmers in the Lennox armed and mounted, for 
the purpose of attacking Rob ; but Glune-dhu, the 
nephew of the latter, with the MacGregors of Glen- 
gyle, attacked his grace’s men, and surrounded and 
disarmed them. Of this encounter we are unable 
to furnish the details ; but, unfortunately for our 
hero, the next attempt had a very different result. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

A WEIRD STORY. 

In tracing the history of Rob Roy, we now come 
to one of those dark and supernatural events which, 
according to Highland tradition, were then a por- 
tion of the every-day life of the Scottish moun- 
taineers, and were the result of local influences, 
and by their minds being deeply imbued in early 
youth by poetry and music, by legends anterior 
even to the songs of Ossian, and by the solemn 
scenery of the vast solitudes which formed their 
home. 

The strange event referred to, occurred in the 
Tower of Glengyle. Another version of it has 
been given by a celebrated essayist on the super- 


A WEIRD STORY. 


247 


stitions of the Highlanders, but without stating the 
locality, or who were the actors therein. 

Some days after baffling Colonel Grahame’s party 
at Crianlarich, — and while Montrose was planning 
a raid, to be led by himself in person into the 
mountains, for the purpose of capturing Itob Boy, 
— the latter, with Mac Aleister, was hunting in the 
old royal forest of Glenfinglas, and among the hills ^ 
that look down on Glenlochy, a long and narrow 
vale in Breadalbane, where, in his father’s time, 
Duncan of the Heads resided, and where the 
ruins of his house are still to be traced among 
the heather. 

Bob and his foster-brother had urged the sport 
in the good old Highland fa^ion, for then the 
clansman would pursue the antlered stag for days, 
sleeping by night in his tartan plaid oi^ the bleak 
mountain-side, or propped on the beetling rock, 
with his long gaff, heedless alike of death or danger, 
would catch the scaly salmon in the leap between 
the sky and the foaming cascade ; but, a^ a recent 
author says, Nothing short of starvation would 
make him take part in the brutal German battues 
which now prevail in the Highlands.” 

When on hunting expeditions. Bob always gave 
the salmon taken, the venison stalked, or the caper- 
cailzie and ptarmigan shot by his long Spanish gun, 
to the poor, or to tHe aged who were ho longer 
able to hunt for themselves; and often he shared 
their huts, however humble ; for north of the High- 
land border Bob Boy was everywhere welcome 
among the people. 


248 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


The short, autumn day was closing;. the moun- 
tains were growing dark ; the eagle and hawk had 
gone to their eyry in the rocks of Benvenue, though 
the wild gray geese were still floating on the bosom 
of Loch Voil, when Rob and MacAleister took their 
way across the hills to return home ; but a storm 
came on as they descended Glengyle, so, instead of 
progressing, towards Loch Katrine, MacGregor re- 
paired to the residence of his nephew, who, in con- 
formity to the oppressive laws passed against the 
clan, was compelled to name himself Gregor Mac- 
Gregor Grahame, yet is better knqwn as Glune- 
dhu, and captain of the castle of Doune, under 
Prince Charles Edward. 

On reaching tl]^ tower, Rob found that his 
nephew, the laird, with all his followers, was ab- 
sent on a Jiunting-match with the Earl of Bread- 
albane ; but the old housekeeper and butler made 
him welcome. The two hunters had brought more 
than enough with them to sup the whole household, 
for Rob had two bunches of blackcock and curlew 
at his sword-belt, and MacAleister carried a small 
red deer slung over his shoulder. 

A blazing fire of bog-pine and fir-cones was made 
in tjie arched fireplace of the old hall, and there the 
hunters prepared to pass the night comfortably, 
after the toil of their late hunting expedition. 

Supper over, a jorum of hot whiskey-toddy was 
brewed in an antique punch-bowl ; the iron gates 
of the tower were secured for the night ; the old 
servants retired to their beds, and Rob and Ma(5- 
Aleister sat by the ruddy hearth, talking of their 


A WEIRD STORY. 


249 


late wanderings, of tidings they expected to hear 
from Seaforth about a rising in the Western Isles ; 
and without any intention of passing the remainder 
of the night elsewhere than by that jovial fire, and 
wrapped in their ample plaids. 

Their late arduous wanderings in the keen, cold 
mountain air, with the warmth of the glowing fire, 
and the steaming punch, combined to make Rob 
drowsy, and ere long he dozed off into a sound 
sleep ; but MacAleister, as he afterwards related, 
felt in no way able to follow his leader’s example, 
though particularly anxious to do so. He became 
acutely wakeful, for a strange and unwonted anx- 
iety weighed upon his mind, and at times a shudder 
passed, over his frame, — a grue, as the Lowlanders 
term it, — a supposed sign that an unseen spirit 
hovers near you, or that some one is treading on 
the ground which is to form your grave, however 
far away that ground may be. 

His eyes wandered over the old and faded family 
portraits which adorned the hall; he sought to shun 
them ; but they seemed to exercise a strange fasci- 
nation over him, which compelled him to look at 
them again and again, till they grew, to his alarm, 
almost instinct with life. 

There was Alaster of Glenstrae, who led the 
clan to battle at Glenfruin, and who died on the 
gibbet at Edinburgh, looking grimly out of his iron 
helmet. There, too, was Colonel Donald MacGregor, 
in his wig and breastplate, looking as fierce as when 
he slew Duncan nan Cean, or carried terror among 


250 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the Westland Whigs , when the Highland host came 
down in the days of the Covenanters. 

There were others in ’ laced coats and tartan 
plaids, but all armed to the teeth — worthies who 
had departed this life with a foot of cold steel in 
their bodies, leaving more quarrels and broad- 
swords than silver or gold behind them ; and, as he 
turned from one pale face to another, while the 
candles burned down, and the fire waxed low on 
the hearth, MacAleister began to feel how, — 

By dim lights seen, the portraits of the dead 
Have something ghastly, desolate, and dread ! 

Add to all this the wavering gleams of the fire, the 
weird shadows they cast across the ancient hall, 
and the solemn sough of the midnight wind with- 
out, as it swept down Glengyle and moaned through 
the machicolated battlements of the old tower, 
shaking its grated windows, and waving to and fro 
the russet-colored tapestry that overhung the door- 
way, driving out the brown moths to fiutter about 
the fading lights. 

Meanwhile Eob Eoy slept heavily. 

By Highland superstition it had long been under- 
stood, that when two persons were left thus, they 
should either both sleep at the same time or keep 
each other awake ; for if one slept, the other was 
left, to the mercy of the spirits of the air. 

MacAleister called to MacGregor, but received 
no answer, and in the vaulted hall the hollow echoes 
of his own voice affrighted even his bold spirit. 
Then as a sudden and heavy chill fell over his 


A WEIRD STORY. 


251 


sturdy frame, and a sickly and deadly fear stole 
into his heart, he strove to rise and grasp his foster- 
brother, but found himself frozen, riveted, chained, 
as it were, to his seat by a power or will superior 
to his own ! 

At that moment the arras which closed the lower 
end of the hall, and which had been violently shaken 
from time to time by the stormy gusts of wind, was 
suddenly parted, and there entered two talf and 
grim-looking gillies, in the Highland dress, and 
fully armed, bearing lighted candles in antique sil- 
ver branches. 

Other figures, misty, wavering, and indistinct, 
appeared beyond; but in the gillies, MacAleister, 
with horror in his soul, recognized two MacG-regors 
whom he had seen slain in his boyhood, and whom 
he had actually assisted to bury near the ruined 
church on Inchcailloch. 

Behind the bearers of the candles came a bearded 
piper, with his pipe on his shoulder, the drones 
decorated by long tartan streamers ; the bag was 
distended, and he fingered the notes of the chanter 
rapidly, while his pale face seemed swollen by the 
exertion of playing; but neither from the instru- 
ment nor the tread of his feet came the slightest 
sound, as he passed like a shadow slowly round the 
hall, without looking on either side, though his 
glazed eyes shone with a blue weird gleam in the 
light of the fire ; and then the henchman . discov- 
ered, by a peculiar mole and a wound on the right 
cheek, that this was the phantom of Alpine’s grand- 
sire, who played the clan to Glenfruin, and was 


252 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


said to have been spirited away by the Dosine Side, 
or fairies. 

Then followed many ladies and gentlemen of the 
House of Glengyle, who had been in their graves 
for years/ with gray visages, wan, ghastly, and sol- 
emn, and wearing costumes quaint in fashion and 
long since obsolete, or to be seen only in such por- 
traits as those which hung around the hall. 

Spellbound, incapable of motion, and while his 
leader slept soundly, MacAleister saw all these 
phantoms take seats at the table beside them ; the 
ladies spreading out and gracefully disposing the 
ample flounces of their great tub-far dingales, as if 
in life ; the gentlemen adjusting the curls of their 
cavalier locks, or great perukes ; others shook out 
the folds of their belted plaids, or ran their wan 
and wasted fingers through their long, wavy beards, 
as they seemed to converse with each other, to assent 
or dissent, and sometimes frown — conversed, but 
without a sound, for the pinched, blue features of 
their long and awfully solemn faces moved spasmod- 
ically, and their gestures varied, as if they talked, 
but not a voice dr a word reached the ear of the 
terrified MacAleister. 

At last one who closely resembled the portrait of 
Alaster of Glenstrae, for his helmet was crested by 
the entire wing of a golden eagle, and whose neck 
was moreover distorted as if by strangulation (for 
Glenstrae had been ignominiously hanged), pro- 
duced a pack of cards, and then all proceeded to 
play. 

The cards were scarcely dealt, when MacAleister 


A WEIRD STORY. 


253 


saw the figure of Oina, — of his daughter, — she 
who had perished at Inversnaid, with her dark hair 
dishevelled and floating about her shoulders, wear- 
ing the very plaid in which her husband buried 
her, hovering at the back of those unearthly visit- 
ors ; and with deadly fear he perceived that she 
was regarding him with a sad yet tender smile in 
her black, lack-lustre eyes. 

It was remarkable that Oina’s form was more 
palpable than the rest, for some, who had died ages 
ago, were transparent, so that he saw other objects 
through them. 

After a time the players relinquished the cards, 
and some betook them to what the Highlanders 
cdu][Qdi palmermore (the tables), which requires three 
on each side, who throw the dice alternately ; but 
though shaken violently, neither boxes nor dice 
emitted the slightest sound. 

Now a muffled figure glided to the side of Oina. 

On her regards being again turned to her father, 
this muffled figure threw off a wet and dripping 
plaid, and lo ! MacLaren, the spy, whom he had 
drowned in the mill-race at Comar, stood before 
him, with a malignant and demoniac grin on his 
cold and damp visage. 

He drew near and breathed on the face of Mac- 
Aleister, and so cold was that breath, so icy and 
chill, that it seemed to freeze the marrow in his 
bones. 

At that moment a cock crew, and with a shriek 
the spellbound man started to his feet, to find the 
fire extinguished, the candles burned out in their 


254 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


sockets, MacGregor still muffled in his plaid and 
fast asleep in a chair beside him, while gray dawn 
stole through the grated windows of the gloomy 
castle hall. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

THE HAUNTED WELL. 

Rob Roy was instantly roused by MacAleister, 
who, in an excess of terror, related the vision of 
the past night, and begged^ that they might retire 
from Glengyle at once, as his soul was filled with 
dismay. 

Rob, though deeming the whole affair a dream, 
as it was no doubt, felt somewhat disturbed by the 
story; for MacAleister maintained that it was a 
warning of his last hour being at hand, and still 
on his pale, blanched face he seemed to feel the icy 
breath of the phantom MacLaren. 

Rob was too deeply imbued with the superstition 
of his time and country not to feel unpleasantly 
impressed by the whole affair, and fearing that 
something might be wrong at Portnellan, or that 
his presence there might be necessary, he and his 
follower set forth at once from the tower of Glen- 

gyie- 

They proceeded quickly down the valley, passing 
through a dense old wood, which had grown there 
for ages. 


THE HAUNTED WELL. 


255 


In this wood was a clear and silvery fountain, 
which flowed into a tributary of Loch Katrine, and 
near it stood a little stone cross, covered with green 
moss and gray lichens. It had a great reputation 
for sanctity, and though frequently removed and 
cast elsewhere by the Presbyterians, by some 
means it always found its way back to the well, 
which was said to have been haunted of old by a 
beautiful fairy, with long, flowing, golden hair and 
shining garments — a water spirit like the Undine 
of the German romance. 

Seeking the old fountain, Rob took a long draught 
of its pure, cool stream, and drew aside a little way 
while MacAleister took off his bonnet and pro- 
ceeded to say a prayer, for the adventure of the 
past night pressed heavy on his heart ; but he had 
only uttered a single sentence, when he started 
back in terror, exclaiming that the pale, gray face 
of MacLaren appeared under the water of the well, 
with the old malignant smile on his lips and in his 
eyes. 

“Your dreams have bewildered you, Callam,” 
said Rob Roy ; “ take courage — anon you will forget 
them.” 

But he had scarcely spoken, when there was a 
shout that woke every echo in the wood, and burst- 
ing through the trees and bushes, about twenty dis- 
mounted troopers fell upon them, sword and carbine 
in hand. 

MacGregor’s claymore flashed from its sheath in 
a moment ; and, opposing his shield to them, he was 
about to break through and escape, when six lev- 


256 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


elled their carbines, and Colonel Grahame called 
upon him to surrender, or he would be shot down 
without mercy 1 ’’ 

I know how to die, but not how to yield,” re- 
plied MacGregor, proudly. 

Then die in your obstinacy ! ” exclaimed the 
colonel ; fire ! ” 

But the troopers paused, on which the faithful 
MacAleister exclaimed to his foster-brother, in Gae- 
lic, — 

Let them fire at me, and when their guns are 
empty do thou break through, thou who wert 
nursed at my mother’s breast — and God speed ! ” 
With these words MacAleister threw himself, 
sword in hand, upon the troopers, who fired their 
carbines, and, pierced by four bullets, the devoted 
foster-brother of Bob Boy fell dead on the grass !- 
The heart of the latter was wrung within him 
on witnessing this sad catastrophe, and instead of 
flinging himself with fury on the soldiers and 
breaking away, as his foster-brother had expected, 
and had exhorted him to do, he stood for a minute 
with irresolution, gazing at the corpse, from which 
the blood was yet welling, with rage and sadness 
on his face and in his soul. 

That minute of irresolution and grief lost all ! 
From every quarter of the wood, soldiers, whom 
the firing had summoned, came hurrying in, and 
hemmed round on every side by swords, by level- 
led bayonets, halberts, and clubbed carbines. Bob 
Boy was beaten to the ground, and when well- 
nigh senseless was disarmed and bound with strong 


ROB BOY TAKEN. 


257 


ropes, as if he had been a madman or a wild ani- 
mal. 

Then, on being dragged to his feet, he found 
himself the prisoner of the Duke of Montrose, who 
surveyed him with a fierce and exulting expression 
in his proud and haughty face. 

Oh!’^ exclaimed MacG-regor, with a groan, “oh, 
eternal infamy ! a prisoner, and, Montrose, — to 
thee I 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

ROB ROY TAKEN. 

The duke wore a blue coat, faced and cufied 
with scarlet, richly braided on the breast with 
broad bars of gold lace. Save aifthe throat, it was 
unbuttoned, and thus displayed a cuirass and gor- 
get, both of the finest steel, which he wore in lieu 
of a vest, and over which fell the ends of his long 
cravat of Mechlin lace. He had on a three-corner- 
ed hat, a fiowing white periwig, and black jack- 
boots, with gold spurs ; and 9, sword and a brace 
of silver-mounted pistols hung at his waist-belt. 

By his side were Colonel Grahame, Quartermas- 
ter Stewart, and others; for his grace had come 
hastily into the mountains with three hundred men, 
to reinforce the party from which Rob had escaped 
so successfully at Crianlarich. 

“ At last, MacGregor Campbell/’ said the duke, 

17 


258 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


through his clenched teeth, while his eyes sparkled 
with triumph and resentment ; at last you are 
in my power, and your doom hangs upon my lips ! 

MacGregor uttered a scornful laugh, and though 
his hands were bound behind him, he drew his 
sturdy figure proudly up to its full height and 
measured the duke with a provoking glance of 
profound disdain — viewing him deliberately from 
head to foot. 

Now, my bold reiver, what have you to say ? ” 
For myself, my lord duke ? ” 

Yes,^’ said Montrose, fiercely. 

Simply, that by fraud and force you have won 
a poor victory over a single man. Use that victory 
as you please, Montrose, but abuse it not.^’ 

Nay, nay, I shall use it justly, as I am entitled 
to do ; for you know that you have long been a 
doomed felon, on whose head a price has been 
set.^^ 

“ By whom ? asked MacGregor, disdainfully. 

“ The king and government.” 

“ A German usurper and Scottish traitors, like 
yourself! ” replied the other, furiously. 

^^Ha! — it matters not how you name them; you 
are nevertheless a foredoomed felon, and as such 
shall you die ! ” 

And who caused me to be stigmatized as such 
— who but you ? Silence 1 Duke of Montrose, and 
lead me where you will ; but be silent, I say. 
Honor is like fine steel — breathe upon it and the 
surface becomes stained. Sorely have you striven 
to stain the honor of Rob Roy; but you have striv- 


ROB ROY TAKEN. 


259 


en in vain; for Rob will be remembered among 
these green mountains and in the hearts of the 
Gael — look down, 0 Heaven, and bless them ! — 
when you, duke so venal and corrupt, will be re- 
membered only as the enemy and oppressor of him 
you would destroy.^^ 

Egad, I like your spirit, MacGregor ! ” said 
Colonel Grahame, as he sheathed his sword with 
an emphatic jerk. 

^^My spirit may break, Colonel Grahame, but 
never shall it bend,” replied Rob Roy; ‘‘1 may 
have my faults like other men, but if the best of 
us had these written on his forehead, he would, as 
the saw hath it, pull his bonnet well over his eyes. 
Till your chief made himself my enemy, I was a 
quiet, a peaceful, and a God-fearing man ; but he 
made desolate my hearth and home ; he seized my 
patrimony, and cast me forth into the world a brok- 
en man, an outlaw, and a beggar, with a price upon 
my head, to be hunted like a wild beast by soldiers 
and militia, horse and foot — I, a Highland gentle- 
man, whose lineage was equal, if not superior to 
his own. But as Fingal said to Swaran, ^ The des- 
ert is enough for me, with all its vdeer and echo- 
ing woods I ^ so I took my target and claymore, and 
retired to the steep mountain and the wild forest, 
with my good wife and my little ones. Since then, 
all we have endured has been enough to summon 
all the spirits of the Clan Alpine who have suffered 
and died since the field of Glenfruin, back from 
blessed heaven to the vengeance of earth!” 

^^Let their spirits come,” said the duke, with 


260 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


fierce irony ; see if they will avail much, when 
you swing by the neck in the Broad Wynd of Stir- 
ling, even as Alaster of Glenstrae swung after his 
fine day’s work at Glenfruin.” 

^^We are not yet in the Broad Wynd of Stirling,” 
said Bob, confidently ; “ but set me free for five 
minutes, put my broad sword in my hand, and 
here, on this plot of grass, will I fight you face to 
face and foot, to foot — ay, with three of your best 
men, if you choose.” 

I do not fight with felons,” replied Montrose, 
loftily. 

“ Will you not meet me like a brave, — I cannot 
call you an honest, man ? ” 

“ I do not fight with felons,” was again the cut- 
ting reply. 

MacGregor crimsoned with passion, and exclaim- 
ed, hoarsely, — Woe to you, dastard duke ! Alas, 
that I should ever speak thus to one who bears the 
good name that was borne by the Great Marquis, 
the gallant Dundee ! ” 

“ Enough of this,” said the duke, also becoming 
red and husky with passioru To horse, gentle- 
men, and away for Stirling. Colonel Grahame, 
bind the villain to one in whom you can place im- 
plicit trust, and let him be well watched. The 
man who permits him to escape I will pistol with 
my own hand ! ” 

MacGregor was secured to a horse behind a 
trooper, whose waist-belt was passed through the 
belt from which his sword and pistols were taken ; 
his hands were also tied behind, so that it was im- 


ROB ROY TAKEN. 


261 


possible for him either to slip or leap off ; and in 
this ignominions fashion, escorted by nearly four 
hundred of the duke’s local militia, horse and foot, 
he was carried away a prisoner. 

As they departed from the Haunted Well, he 
gazed sadly at the stiffened corpse of his faithful 
friend and foster-brother, Callam, son of the arrow- 
maker, — one who had never failed him in many an 
hour of peril, and whose remains were left where^ 
he fell, and where a cairn now marks his grave. 

The captors had to travel with great secrecy, 
lest the Qountry people should rise to the rescue 
of Rob Roy ; but with all their speed, the journey 
of twenty miles towards the banks of the Forth 
occupied the whole day, so rough and roadless was 
the district through which they marched, down by 
Grlenfinglas and Bochastle, through the pass of 
Leney and by the beautiful Braes of Callender; 
and many a wistful glance their unfortunate pris- 
oner cast back to the mountains ; for they looked 
down on his secluded home, where his wife and 

X * 

children dwelt, and where, ere long, they would be 
bewailing him in hopeless sorrow. 


262 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. j 

THE FORDS OF FREW. 

In his exultation at having, personally made 
captive a prisoner so important to the state, and ■ 
for whose seizure a reward had been so long of- ' 
fered, as a rebel, traitor, outlaw, and robber, the . 
Duke of Montrose ordered his trumpets to play and 
his kettle-drummers to beat, when the smoke, the 
steep ridge, the castled rock, and gray old walls 
of Stirling appeared in the distance, rising amid the 
green and lovely valley of the Forth. i 

MacGregor gazed sullenly and fiercely at the 
distant fortress, wherein, for a brief time, he would 
be a prisoner, if he could not escape by the way. 

They had now crossed Lanrick Mead and the 
green Braes of Doune, and before them lay the 
long snaky windings of the Forth, which the Duke 
ordered his troopers to pass by the Fords of Frew,- 
— those deep and treacherous fords which Rob 
knew so well that, as history tells us, and as already 
related, he guided the army of Mar through them 
after the battle of Sheriffmuir. , 

As they drew near the river, the duke, for the 
greater security of his prisoner, ordered him to be 
bound anew with a horse-girth to Quartermaster 
Jame*s Stewart, one of the most powerful and reso- 
' 'te of his followers, adding, as he saw the buckle 
''^d under his own eye, — 


THE FOEDS OF FREW. 


263 


“And you shall keep him company thus until 
we have him in the care of the captain of Stirling 
Castle, or the goodman of the Tolbooth.’^ 

Stewart evinced some repugnance to this mode 
of conducting the prisoner, for the latter and he 
were old acquaintances, who had frequently traf- 
ficked in cattle in more peaceful and happy times. 

Eob submitted in silence to this new arrange- 
ment ; again the brass trumpets sounded shrilly, 
and the kettle-drums rang, as the horse began their 
march towards the fords; but Rob heeded little 
this display of pride and triumph, for all his thoughts 
were elsewhere, — at the fireside of Portnellan, with 
his aged mother, his wife, and children. 

Again a prisoner ! Oh, how his brave heart 
yearned for them, and trembled for their future, all 
the more that now the faithful and unflinching Mac- 
Aleister was gone ! 

Coll was now a man, strong, brave, and active ; 
but had he sufficient skill or strategy to maintain 
with success the desperate career which his father 
might bequeath to him from the scaffold at Stir- 
ling? 

And then there were Duncan and Hamish, with 
little Ronald, who was always in scrapes and tur- 
moils, and exhibited more scars and bruises than 
even Creumoch, or the most veteran of the clan, — 
what might their fate — their future be ? 

Their ruddy sunburnt faces, their hearty boyish 
voices, all came vividly to memory with the terrible 
question, — How were their lives to end ? 

By a tender succession of links in his boys, he 


264 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


liad beheld a future life beyond his own ; for by the 
natural course of events they were to see what* he 
could never hope to see^ or feel, or share in — the 
coming time, which they were to enjoy (or endure) 
when his strong hand was lying in the grave, when 
his sword had returned to the anvil, and when on 
earth he could avail them no more. But what an 
heritage of danger had he to bequeath them ! 

Then the future plans of the Jacobites (with 
whose success he identified the restoration of his 
- people to their own name and of his patrimony to 
himself) came before him, for he was deeply in- 
volved in their intrigues ,* and about the very time 
of this most unexpected capture he was to have 
met a messenger from the Marquis of Seaforth, — 
as that noble was styled by the loyalists of Scotland, 
— a messenger who was to precede an invasion of ‘ 
the Highlands from Spain. 

Twilight stole over the scenery. The eagle had 
gone to its eyry in the rocks, the lazy cormorant 
and the long-legged heron had forsaken the shore, 
and all was silent, or nearly so, for no sound broke 
the stillness now, save the tramp of the horses, or 
at times a loud shriek that rung upon the wind, and 
wailed away in the distance. 

It was the melancholy cry of the night-owl. 

Darkness had set in when the leading files of the 
duke’s column began, with great deliberation and 
care, to cross the Forth at Frew. Decent rains had 
swollen the river, which made a brawling sound 
at the fords, though it usually rolls silently and 
even somewhat sluggishly through its lovely val- 


THE FORDS OF FREW. 


265 


le}^, a winding course of ninety miles towards the 
sea. 

While the centre and rear of the horsemen were 
halted by the margin of the river, the others 
crossed, half-fording and half-swimming, and there- 
after scrambling up the rugged bank on the oppo- 
site side, Rob Roy began to converse in low tones 
with the quartermaster, James Stewart. 

The grandson of the latter was some years ago 
an innkeeper at Loch Katrine, and a guide to tour- 
ists ; and it was to his relation of this adventure 
that Sir Walter Scott was indebted for one of the 
most stirring passages in his novel, wherein, how- 
ever, he designates the trooper to whom Roh was 
bound, “ Evan of the Brigglands.” 

Taking advantage of the darkness, the splashing, 
the shouting, and noise as the troopers crossed 
cautiously by two at a time, Rob implored Stewart, 
^^by all the ties of old acquaintance, of common 
humanity, and good neighborhood, to give him some 
chance of escape from an assured doom — a death 
of ignominy.’^ 

For some time Stewart heard him unmoved, till 
MacGregor began to remind him that a day of ter- 
rible vengeance would assuredly come anon, as he 
would leave to his sons and followers the task of 
destroying all who were in any way accessory to 
his capture ^nd execution. 

Stew^art knew too well what the MacGregors 
were capable of attempting and performing, to hear 
this without alarm, or to consider it an empty 
threat p and to some emotions of compassion for 


266 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Rob as an old friend, and a sorely wronged and 
oppressed man, were noAV added those of fear for 
himself and his possessions. 

He made no reply ; but When the voice of the 
duke was heard, as he called from the opposite 
bank to bring over the prisoner, the quartermaster 
guided his horse down the bank, and entered the 
dark stream, which, with a loud rushing sound, was 
flowing rapidly past. 

Overhead the stars shone clearly and coldly, yet 
the river and its wooded banks were involved in 
gloom and obscurity ; and when in the middle of 
the stream, the quartermaster reined in his horse, 
as if uncertain of its footing. 

At that moment MacG-regor felt the girth which 
secured them together relaxed, as the buckle was 
parted, and the cord which bound his wrists was 
cut, by the friendly hand of Stewart. 

’Tis well,” he whispered, as he pressed the lat- 
ter’s hand ; you will never repent the deed of to- 
night, — never, if you live for a thousand years ! ” 

Slipping over the crupper of the horse, he diyed 
into the river, and swam under its surface for some 
yards, till he could emerge with safety under the 
shade of a clump of willows, where he crept ashore, 
quietly and unseen, exactly as described in the 
splendid novel which bears his name. 

On Stewart ascending the opposite bank, wher^ 
the horsemen were getting into their ranks, and 
forming in order under Colonel G-rahame, the duke 
instantly missed Rob Roy. 


THE FORDS OP FREW. 


267 


Villain ! ’’ he exclaimed, “ where is your pris- 
oner ? ’’ 

Stewart began to falter out something by way of 
explanation or excuse, when the duke, blind with 
rage and fury, drew a long horse-pistol from his 
holsters, and dealt him a blow on the head with 
the steel butt — a blow from the effects of which 
his descendant (the innkeeper) said he never re- 
covered. 

Carbines wei’e now discharged up and down the 
stream, flashing in the darkness and waking the 
echoes of the rocks. A close search was made on 
both banks by troopers on horse and foot, but 
vainly, till day broke ; for no trace could be dis- 
cerned of the fugitive, who knew the country better 
than his pursuers, and by that time had reached in 
safety the hill of Vaigh-mhor, amid the rocks of 
which is a secret cavern, the haunt of outlaws and 
robbers so lately as 1750. 

There he lurked in safety until nightfall, after 
which he proceeded with all speed back to the 
banks of Loch Katrine, and reached his household 
at Portnellan, where his family were in despair ; 
and where Greumoch, his future henchman, was 
arraying flve hundred men, for the purpose of 
falling down into Stirlingshire to rescue or revenge 
him. 

But now a messenger arrived who warned them 
that their swords were required for another pur- 
pose, a third rising in the Highlands for King 
James VIII., as he was named by the Scottish 
cavaliers. 


268 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XL. 

SEAFORTH^S MESSENGER. 


The preceding chapters of our s^ory will in some 
degree have illustrated to the reader the peculiar 
character, habits, and manner of the Scottish High- 
landers, and have shown how different they were 
in many respects from their Lowland countrymen. 

“ The ideas and employments which their seclu- 
sion from the world rendered habituay’ says Gen- 
eral Stewart of Garth, the familiar contemplation 
of the most sublime objects of nature, — the habit 
of concentrating their affections within the' narrow 
precincts of their own glens or the limited circle 
of their own kinsmen, — and the necessity of union 
and self-dependence in all difficulties and dangers, 
combined to form a peculiar and original character. 
A certain romantic sentiment, the offspring of deep 
and cherished feeling, strongs attachment to coun- 
try and kindred, and a consequent disdain of sub- 
mission to strangers, formed the character of inde- 
pendence ; while an habitual contempt of danger 
was nourished by their solitary musings, of which 
the honor of their clan, and a long descent from 
brave and warlike ancestors, formed the theme. 

Thus their exercises, their amusements, their 
mode of subsistence, their motives of action, their 
prejudices, and their superstitions became charac- 




seaforth’s messenger. 


269 


teristic, permanent, and peculiar. Firmness and 
decision, fertility in resources, ardor in friendship, 
and a generous enthusiasm, were the result of such 
modes of life and such habits of thought. Feeling 
themselves separated by nature from the rest of 
mankind, and distinguished by their language, their 
habits, their manners, and their dress, they con- 
sidered themself es the original possessors of4he 
country, and regarded the Saxons of the Lowlands 
as strangers and intruders.^’ 

But to resume : — 

The messenger who reached Portnellan was no 
other than Sir James Livingstone, whom Bob had 
encountered after the devastation of Kippen, and 
who had now changed sides and become a Jacobite 
in sheer disgust of the atrocities of the Ministry, 
after the battle of Sherilfmuir. 

From Seaforth, chief of the MacKenzies, he bore 
a letter to Rob Roy, stating that he intended to 
rise in arms for the king, and desired the aid and 
assistance of the Clan Alpine, when and where the 
bearer would inform him, as it was dangerous to 
commit his plans to paper. 

The writer was William MacKenzie, Earl of Sea- 
forth, whose father had been created a marquis by 
the exiled king. 

^^So, MacGregor, I 'have come at a fortunate 
time,” said Sir James, as they walked in confer- 
ence together by the shore of Loch Katrine; ^‘your 
men I see are all in arms ” 

^^And prepared to do all that men can do,” re- 
plied Rob ; but- the Lowlands are full of troops. 


270 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


close Tip to the Highland border ; now ships of war 
come at times even into the salt lochs of the Camp- 
bells, and so the Highlands are scarcely what they 
were when we were boys, Sir James.’^ 

True ; but one- good battle may alter all that ; 
and remember, Rob, that the Grampians are still 
the Dorsum Britannimr 

The what ? ” said MacGregor, Vith perplexity. 

The Backbone of Britain, as they were called 
of old by a Scottish Kuldee.’^ 

^^Seaforth refers me to you for information ; 
where is he now?” 

^^At Madrid.” 

Madrid — oich ; that is a long way from the 
Braes of Balquhidder ! ” said Rob, with fresh per- 
plexity. 

At Madrid,” repeated Livingstone, “where his 
Majesty James YIII. has been received with all 
the honors due to the King of Great Britain by 
Philip V., who is too good a monarch not to re- 
member the claim of King James to our throne — 
a claim derived from Scripture, which says, ^ The 
right of the first-born is hia.’ ” 

“ But what help does the Spanish king ofier the 
Blue Bonnets if they rise in arms ? ” 

“ Six thousand Spanish soldiers of the line, with 
twelve thousand stands of arms, are to be embarked 
on board of ten ships of war, under the command 
of the Irish Duke of Ormond.” 

“A brave man!” exclaimed Rob; “but where 
are these ships and Spaniards ? ” 

“At San Sebastian and elsewhere. This arma- 


seaforth’s messenger. 


271 


ment will sail in the early part of next year for the 
Western Isles, and will probably arrive while yet 
the Highland passes are blocked up by snow. Sea- 
forth doubts not that you will join him, and, if 
possible, make short work with the Munroes, the 
Rosses, and other Whig clans, who will be sure to 
break into Kintail on the first tidings that the 
Spanish keels have passed through the Sound of 
Slate. With these Spanish soldiers, and with these 
twelve thousand stand of arms, when distributed 
among the loyal clans, and with the aid expected 
from the Welsh and Irish, we may well hope, Rob, 
to crush bbth the English and the Lowlanders ; and 
by this day twelvemonth we may see every head 
wearing its own bonnet, and the elector at home in 
Hernhausen.’^ 

All this sounded very well to Rob, who seldom 
required a great incentive to attempt anything 
desperate, especially against Highland Whigs, such 
as the Rosses, Munroes, or Grants ; so he pledged 
himself “ to meet the Marquis of Seaforth in Kin- 
tail in the spring of the following year, with at 
least four hundred good claymores ; and, after 
spending a few days at Portnellan, Sir James Liv- 
ingstone departed to visit some other Jacobite 
gentlemen, and seek their aid. 

The Highland winter had now set in with its 
usual severity; the snow, which drifted deep in 
the passes, rendered Rob safe from all attacks at 
that time ; so the days were occupied peacefully 
by his people in attending to their cattle, hunting 
deer, and collecting fuel ; the evenings were spent 


272 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


with the harp and pipe, with sword-play, or prac- 
tice with the target or claymore, in dancing and 
athletic exercises ; till the spring days came, and 
the ice began to melt in the deep lochs, and the 
snow to dissolve in runnels of water down the 
steep slopes of the mountains. 

^^The three Faoilteach have been as bad as the 
Worst days of winter,’’ said Rob, as he looked over 
the vast extent of hill and glen that lay round his 
home ; so, please God, we shall have fair spring 
weather, Helen, to meet Lord Seaforth in Kintail 
na Bogh.” 

It is a belief in the Highlands that if the faoil- 
teacJij three days which January borrowed from 
February by the bribe of three young lambs, prove 
fair and pleasant, there will be bad and stormy 
weather throughout the ensuing year. 

“I would you were safely back from Kintail,” 
said Helen ; for danger, it may be death, are be- 
fore you, Rob. 'Hoes not Paul Crubach say that he 
has had visions of gray warriors riding along the 
steepest cliffs of Craigrostan and Benvenue, where 
mortal horseman never rode, nor living horse could 
keep its footing ? ” 

Likely enough, good wife ; for poor Paul sees 
that which others never see,” said Rob, laughing. 

And now on the first day of April, 1719, came a 
messenger from Sir James Livingstone, to state 
that the Spanish fleet had sailed for the Hebrides ; 
and directing Rob to march for Glensheil with all 
the loyal and discontented Highlanders he could 
collect, and to halt near the head of Loch Hourn, 
till the Spspniards arrived. 


seaforth’s messenger. 


273 


These Spaniards come from a land of wine and 
oranges/’ said Helen ; how will our long kail and 
oat cakes agree with their dainty stomachs ? ” 
Better than English bullets, Helen,” said Rob. 

When he departed with his followers from Port- 
nellan he took with him the little English boy, 
Harry Huske, for he doubted not that after falling 
down into the Lowlands, or even before that time 
came to pass, there would be many encounters with 
the Government troops, and an opportunity must 
occur for restoring him to his father, the major. 

Helen MacGregor had become deeply attached 
to the child, who had many pretty and winning 
ways ; thus she wept bitterly when he was taken 
from her, and is said to have repeated the ominous 
words of her former prediction, that the boy was 
too fair and beautiful to find a place on earth.” 

Secretly though the messengers of Livingstone 
were despatched, the Government were on the 
alert, and had their troops in the field nearly as 
soon as the Jacobites, for so great was the terror 
in England of this Spanish invasion, that aid was 
sought as usual from Holland ; and already six 
thousand Dutch infantry, with a great body of 
British troops, were on the march for Scotland. 

At that period, the fighting force of the High- 
lands consisted of at least fifty thousand men ; but 
so divided were the clans among themselves, that 
seldom more than five thousand men at a time 
came forth in any of the insurrections for the 
House of Stuart. 

18 


274 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTEE XLI. 

ROB’S MARCH TO GLENSHEIL. 

On this occasion Eob Eoy had four hundred men 
with him, having left the rest at home under Coll 
and Eed Alaster MacG-regor, with orders to keep 
the pass of Loch Ard against any soldiers whom^ 
General Carpenter might send by that route to' 
plunder or destroy. 

It was on a lovely day in April when the Mac- 
Gregors, after a march of more than eighty miles 
northwest across the mountain^ from Loch Katrine, 
guided by a wandering harper named Gillian Eoss, 
from the Isle of the Pigmies, after skirting the 
vast waste of the braes of Eannoch and the hiUs 
of Glenorchy — by ascending the Devil’s Staircase, 
and from thence, passing by the base of the snow- 
clad Ben Nevis, whose summit was hidden in masses 
of gray vapor, by Corpach (or the vale of the 
corpses), by Glen Arkaig, and the head of Loch 
Hourn, halted on the hills of Glensheil, in sight of 
the dim and distant peaks of the Isle of Skye, and 
the waves of the Atlantic. 

Along the base of the dark mountains which 
there start abruptly, like masses of blue rock, from 
the deep salt lochs of the west, wreaths of gray 
smoke were curling on the wind. These were from 
the fires of the busy burners of kelp — a manufac- 


ROB^S MARCH TO GLENSHEIL. 275 

ture, the abolition of which, by the Parliament of 
1823, brought ruin and famine upon the poor peas- 
antry of Argyle and Ross. 

The weather was mild and warm, though tem- 
pered by the breeze from the ocean. The Mac- 
Gregors encamped on the sheltered side of a moun- 
tain slope ; a stray cow or so, and the deer of the 
glens, supplied them with food, which they cooked 
in the old Scottish fashion, by boiling the flesh in 
its own skin, or broiling it in fires formed of roots 
from a morass, or dry branches from the nearest 
forest. 

Every man carried his own oatmeal and hunting- 
bottle of usquebaugh ; and other incumbrance or 
baggage they had none, save their arms and ammu- 
nition. • 

Little Harry Huske had become hardy now, and 
slept as snugly in the neuk of Rob\s or Greumoch’s 
plaid, as when at home in Portnellan, though he 
sometimes wept for his mother, as he had learned 
to call Helen MacGregor. 

The third day had been passed on the mountains 
thus, when a gentleman in tartan trews, with a 
laced coat and periwig, was seen approaching the 
camp, mounted on a strong Highland garron. 

He and his followers (he had four armed men 
with him, clad in Highland dresses of the MacKen- 
zie tartan) wore in their bonnets the white jcockade, 
the forbidden badge of the House of Stuart; con- 
sequently they were received with acclamations 
by the MacGregors, though one of the visitors was 
no other than the redoubtable Duncan nan Creagh, 


276 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


now somewhat bent and older than when we first 
introduced him to the reader, but active, fierce, and 
resolute as ever. 

On this occasion he acted as guide to Sir James 
Livingstone, the mounted man in trews. 

‘^Welcome, Sir James,” said Rob Roy; trust 
you bring us good tidings of the king and his 
adherents.” 

Would to heaven I could do so,” replied the 
baronet, with unconcealed dejection. 

How ? ” asked the other, with alarm. 

“ The fleet, with all the Spanish troops and mu- 
nitions of war, set sail from San Sebastian for Scot- 
land ; but Heaven itself seems against this most 
unlucky House of Stuart.” 

Sir J ames Livingstone ! ” 

It is so ; for fortune and the elements are alike 
their enemies ! ” exclaimed the other, bitterly. 

Speak quickly. Sir James,” said MacGregor, 
stamping his foot on the heather ; 1 am in no mode 

either for parables or riddles, after marching aU this 
distance, and leaving my family and my country all 
but open to the enemy ; and I know the tricks that 
Montrose and Killearn are capable of playing me. 
The fleet, you say, has sailed ? ” 

But encountered a dreadful gale off Cape Fin- 
isterre ” 

I know not where that may be.” 

^^^Tis a headland off the coast of Brittany — 
where, it matters not; but the storm lasted two 
entire days, and drove the armament back, dis- 
masted and battered, to the Spanish coast; thus dis- 


ROB’S MARCH TO GLENSHEIL. 


277 


concerting all the plans of the Duke of Ormond 
and the friendly schemes of Philip Y.” 

Then we have marched here in vain ? ” 

Sir James nodded his head, sadly, in assent. 

“ Has not a single vessel reached the Western 
Isles ? ” 

Yes ; two frigates — only two — under the 
Spanish flag are now anchored at Stornoway, in 
the Lewis, where they have landed the Marquis of 
Tullybardine ” 

Tullybardine ! ” repeated Rob, with knitted 
brow. I remember him, a fair-haired youth, at 
the castle of Blair, when his father, Duke John of 
Athole, laid a black snare for me.” 

Think not of that now, MacGregor,” said Liv- 
ingstone, earnestly; “ he is young and brave, and 
steadfast to our king.” 

“ Who nfore ? ” 

The Lords Seaforth and Marischal, with some 
arms.” 

How many ? ” ' 

Two thousand stands of muskets, and five thou- 
sand pistols. And there are three hundred Spanish 
soldiers.” 

Any money ?■” asked Rob, quickly. 

^^Yes, some treasure in care of Don Jos4 de 
Santarem, a Knight of Malta.” 

Dioul ! ” said Rob, waving his bonnet ; matters 
are not so bad after all. We are in for it now, and 
must play out the game. We cannot disperse with- 
out fighting somebody, were- it but to save from 


278 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 




distress the strangers who have come so far to 
serve our exiled king.^^ 

Yes/’ added Sir James, bitterly; ^^and we have 
to save our own necks from the gallows.” 

^‘Are we to seize birlinns, and cross to the 
Lewis ? ” 

^^No. In a few days Seaforth will unfurl the 
Caberfeidh,*’^ and come hither with all his men ; and 
to you his wishes are, that you shall keep the pass 
of Strachells against all who approach it from the 
east or south until he arrives in Glensheil. The 
Bosses and Munroes are already in arms for the 
elector.” 

‘‘Let us cut the traitors to pieces/’ said Bob, 
“ and then the loyal and the timid alike will join us 
from all quarters.” 

In obedience to his instructions, Bob marched to 
the narrow pass which is in the highest part of the 
district of Glensheil, or sheilig (the Vale of Hunt- 
ing), that lies between the great forests of Seaforth 
and Glengarry ; but so long were the delays, that 
’the snow had disappeared from the loftiest moun- 
tains, and the swallow and cuckoo had come to the 
woods of evergreen pine and feathery birch, ere 
the Spanish soldiers with the MacKenzies and the 
wild MacBaes reached the camp of the MacGregors. 

Leaving Stornoway, in the Isle -of Lewis, they 
crossed to the mainland, and fortifying the mouth 
of Loch Duich, took possession of Eilan Donan, a 
castle of the MacKenzies, and placed cannon on it. 

Meanwhile, General Joseph Wightman, an active 

* A famous banner of the MacKenzies. 


A STRANGE MEETING. 


279 


and resolute officer, was pushing on through the 
mountains from Inverness with a mixed force, con- 
sisting of several companies of the 11th, 14th, and 
15th Regiments (then known respectively as Mon- 
tague’s Devonshire, Clayton’s Bedfordshire, and 
Harrison’s Yorkshire), and two thousand Dutch 
auxiliaries, with whom also came the Rosses, the 
Munroes, and other clans who adhered to the House 
of Guelph. 

Huske was the brigade-major. 


CHAPTER XLII. 

A STRANGE MEETING. 

Marching with all speed by paths that were wild 
and rugged, the old Fingalian war-paths, or tracks 
by which the cattle were jdriven, on the 9th of 
June the troops of General Wightman came within 
ten miles of the camp of Seaforth, when a halt was 
ordered just as the sun was setting amid that 
selemn scenery, where a deep and secluded arm. of 
the sea penetrates among the hiUs of Glensheil. 

Major Huske,” said General Wightman, as the 
wearied troops piled their arms, posted sentinels, 
and prepared to cook some venison which had been 
shot for them by the Munroes of Culcairn, “ with 
an officer and a hundred men of Montague’s as an 
advanced guard, or rather as an outlying picket, you 


280 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


will marcli one mile further on, and see them prop- 
erly posted. Reconnoitre well before you halt, 
and if aught can be seen of the enemy send back 
a messenger to me.’^ 

For further instructions ? 

^^Yes. Look well about you; for the notorious 
and desperate outlaw, Robert MacGregor, oi 
Campbell, who has been in arms against the Gov- 
ernment ever since the Revolution, is among the' 
rebels, and may give us more trouble with twelve 
men than Lord Seaforth could with so many hun- 
dreds.’’ 

Rob Roy ! ” exclaimed Huske, starting. 

Egad, yes ; Rob himself,” said the general, dis- 
mounting. You seem surprised, major. Did he 
give you so great a fright when he beat up your 
quarters at Inversnaid ? ” 

^‘Do not mistake me. General Wightman,” re- 
plied Huske, with an air of severity. “ It was but 
the start of an almost savage joy which I ex- 
perienced, on hearing that I was to have again 
opposed to me -the man to whom I owe the inflic- 
tion of a terrible grief — the loss of my son Harry, 
my poor, little, motherless boy I ” 

Oh, your son — yes,” said the general, in an 
altered voice ; I heard that he perished unhappily 
— in the daring night attack on Inversnaid.” 

“ Yes ; and I would rather that he had perished 
when his mother did at Landau, than in the hands 
of those half-naked Highland savages.” 

“ Landau ! Zounds, major, I remember that 
unfortunate affair, too, for my tent was near yours, 


A STRANGE MEETING. 


281 - 


on the left of the lines. You remember our brigade 
was posted near the river Zurich ? ’’ 

But if I am spared to meet these MacGregors 
again I may teach this Bob Roy to feel something 
of the torture I now feel; for two of his sons, 
I have been told, are among his followers, and if 

one of them fall into my hands again ’’ 

^^Well, do as you please, major, with Rob Roy 
and his sons ; but beware of ambuscades like that 
into which he lured Clifford and poor Dorrington, 
at Aberfoyle. And now move to the front, if you 
please. Keep the picket under arms, and throw 
out a line of double sentinels towards the pass in 
the mountains.” 

In obedience to this order Major Huske marched 
a hundred men of Montague’s Regimeni to the dis- 
tance of one mile from the main body, and halting 
them among some wild whins for concealment, 
with orders to remain accoutred, threw forward 
a chain of sentinels, whom he posted in person, in 
such places as he thought they could best observe 
the approach of the enemy, and communicate with 
each other^ or with the picket in their rear. 

After this, as the night was clear and beautiful, 
he walked a little way beyond them, to recon- 
noitre and observe the country. ' 

The scenery was wild in the extreme. On one 
side of a narrow inlet rose a tall cliff, where the 
black iolar built his nest ; at its bay lay the still 
water of the sea, where, in moonshine and sunshine 
alike, the round black heads of the seardogs (whom 
the Celts supposed to be fairies) were visible, as 


282 


THE ADVENTHEES' OF EOB EOY. 


they swam to and fro, fixing their dark and melan- 
choly eyes on the twinkling stars or the passing 
boats. 

On the other side of the inlet rose an ancient 
barrow or burial rnound, from which, as the peas- 
antry averred, strange gleams of lustre came at 
night, with sweet, melodious sounds. 

The place was said to be enchanted, for any 
person who sat thereon and spoke aloud heard 
whatever they said repeated thrice. Then it was 
the fairies or the devil who replied ; now it is only 
the echo — the son of the lonely rock. 

Huske was now nearly half a mile from his sen- 
tinels ; but in the clear summer twilight he could 
see their figures distinctly, with their dark gray 
coats and white leggings ; and then he thought of 
returning, when an armed Highlander, who had 
been crouching among the heather, rose up -sud- 
denly as an apparition, to bar his way. 

His round shield was braced upon his left arm, 
and his drawn claymore was glittering in his right 
hand. 

Major Huske laid his hand on his sword, and 
stepping forward a pace or two resolutely, found 
himself face to face with — Rob Roy ! 


MAJOR HUSKE’S revenge. 


283 - 


• CHAPTER XLIII. 

MAJOR HUSKE’S revenge. 

For a moment Rob, who had been scouting or 
reconnoitring in person by the Earl of Seaforth’s 
request, surveyed the major with evident doubt 
and irresolution expressed in his sunburnt face, for 
this was the hour when, as the Celts suppose, the 
spirits of evil are abroad, and when wraiths and 
demons of the air may assume the forms of human 
beings at will ; while, on the other hand, Huske, 
to whom no such absurd idea occurred, and who 
had just reason to respect and fear Rob’s personal 
strength, thrust his cocked hat firmly upon his 
. head, and surveyed his foe, with fury and hatred 
sparkling in his sombre eyes. 

So, villain ! ” he exclaimed, “ we are fated to 
meet again ! ” - 

“ Beware how we part, if this is to be the^ style 
of our conversation ! ” replied MacGregor, sternly. 

“ Fellow, are you so ignorant, or so stupid, as to 
be unaware that by uttering a shout or firing this 
pistol I can have you surrounded and hanged or 
shot in three minutes ? ” 

“ Then, beware, Major Huske, how you fire the 
shot or utter the shout ; for ere you finished either, 
my father’s sword would clatter in your breast- 
bone,” replied the other, quietly. 


284 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

“ Defend yourself, then, traitor though you be ! 
said Huske, drawing a pistol from his girdle and 
cocking it. 

I am no traitor,” retorted MacG-regor^proudly, 
“ for I never owned as king the German prince 
you serve, but am the liegeman of James VIII., 
whose enemies may God confound ! Moreover, 
I have no wish to encounter you again, Major 
Huske — at least, until this child, which has been 
long my peculiar care, is in a place of safety.” As 
he spoke he pointed to a boy, who was no other than 
little Harry, the child taken at Inversnaid, and who 
was sound asleep on the soft heather, with Rob’s 
tartan plaid wrapped round him. 

“ Right,” said Huske, hoarsely ; my time for 
retribution has come ; this child shall go before the 
Highland dog his father ! ” 

Levelling his pistol in an instant, and before 
MacGregor could interpose, the major shot the 
sleeping child through the body. There was a 
convulsive gasp, a shudder under the tartan plaid, 
and all was over ! Unfortunate wretch — oh, 
mistaken coward ! ” exclaimed Rob Roy, in a pierc- 
ing voice. Major Huske, by Heaven and St. 
Mary, you have destroyed your own son ! ” 

How — how ? ” cried Huske, wildly ; for the 
solemn and excited manner of MacGregor impress- 
ed him with a terrible conviction of truth ; my 
son, say you — my son ? ” 

I have spoken but too truly,” said the High- 
lander, ^yhile, heedless of what Huske might do 
with sword or pistol, he knelt, with a sob in his 


MAJOR HUSKEYS REVENGE. 


285 


throat, and unfolding the bloody plaid, showed to 
the horror-stricken officer the dead body of a little 
golden-haii^d boy, whose features he could not fail 
to recognize. 

He covered his face with his hands, exclaiming, 
— ‘^Oh, MacGregor, what dreadful deed is this I 
have done 

There was a long pause, and then Rob said, — 
My people found your son asleep in his little 
bed at Inversnaid, and carefully preserved him until 
such time as he could be restored to you, his father, 
or friends. Hunted and proscribed as we are, 
treated by such as you like wolves or other wild 
beasts, a hundred difficulties were in the way of 
having the child thus restored ; and the poor little 
fellow learned to love us, to be the playmate of my 
children, the sharer of ojir humble hearth and fru- 
gal board, while my^good and gentle wife, who 
knew that the boy was motherless, nurtured him 
tenderly. Being certain that you would be with 
the army sent against Seaforth and the Spaniards, 
I brought hither the child that we might restore 
him, in the hope that for the good deed we had 
done you might allow, as we say in Scotland, by- 
gones between us to be by-gones ; but, alas ! this is 
the restoration that Helenas heart foreboded ! ” 
How, MacGregor ? 

2 When she predicted so often that the child was 
too sweet in temper and too fair in form to find a 
place on earth; and now, ‘ woe worth the hour! he 
has been sent by his father’s hand to heaven, from 
whence he came ! ” 


286 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


When MacGregor ceased, Huske had cast himself 
on his knees among the heather, cowering down, in 
wretchedness, with his face buried in his hands, 
and sobbing heavily ; while the former covered up 
the little body, tenderly and gently, in his plaid, 
lest the sight of its blood should too much shock 
the murderer. 

Go, Major Huske, — return to your men,” said 
he, laying a hand kin'dly on the shoulder of the 
officer ; my hand can never inflict on you a deeper 
wound than your own has done. From my soul I 
pity you ! When seeking to wrong me — wrong me 
cruelly and foully — you have destroyed your fair 
little boy, whom I was learning to love as if he had 
been my own; but,” added Rob, taking off his 
bonnet and pointing upvvard, his pure spirit is 
among the flowers that the angels will gather at 
the foot- of His throne who is*above us.” 

0 MacGregor,” groaned Huske, “ end, I pray 
you, end my existence ! ” 

That I may not do ; and I pray you to avoid 
me when next we meet.” 

“ Where ? ” asked Huske, incoherently. 

“Where the angel of death is hovering — on the 
hills of Glensheil,” replied Rob Roy, as he sprang 
up some rocks that were close by and disappeared ; 
for at that moment an officer named Captain Dawnes, 
who had heard the explosion of the pistol, came 
hurriedly up with some twenty men of the picket, 
all with their bayonets fixed. 


THE BATTLE OF GLENSHEIL. 


287 


CHAPTER XLIY. 

THE BATTLE OF GLENSHEIL. 

By sunrise on the 10th of June, the shrill pipes 
playing “ Tulloch Ard (the gathering and war-cry 
of the MacKenzies) Vang in Glensheil, the dwelling- 
place of the wild MacRaes, as the British redcoats, 
and the Dutch in yellow uniforms, were seen to 
enter that beautiful valley, which is fifteen miles in 
length, forming line by regiments as they advanced 
into the open space. 

The Marquises of Seaforth and Tullybardine, as 
the loyalists termed both, with Rob Roy, took up a 
position at the narrow pass of Strachells, the high- 
est part of Glensheil. With them was an expatri- 
ated chieftain, Campbell of Glendaruail — a place 
which means the Yale of Red Blood, where Magnus, 
King of Norway, perished with his army in defeat. 

The first troops that appeared were Harrison’s 
Foot, a wing of the 15th Regiment, which thirty 
years before fought against YisCount Dundee at the 
battle of Killy crankie. They had philemot yellow 
facings, and coats elaborately laced with white 
braid. 

On their left were some of the clans who were 
adverse to the House of Stuart, the Munroes in 
gay scarlet tartans, the Rosses, Sutherlands, and 
others, whose appearance in the ranks of the enemy 


288 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


filled the insurgent Highlanders with rage j and in 
front of the Rosses marched a tall gray-bearded 
harper, playing on his harp. This was Gillian Ross, 
who had guided the MacGregors to Glensheil ; and 
Rob Roy vowed, if he came within arm’s length of 
him, to tear his chords asunder.” 

The other corps came up in succession, and grad- 
ually formed across the valley, the Grenadiers 
marching in front of the line, with their pouches 
open and fuses lighted. 

General Wightman, a Dutch colonel named Van 
Rasmussen, and Major Huske, alone were mounted. 

Seaforth’s _men, including the MacRaes, under 
Duncan nan Creagh, were about a thousand strong, 
and all armed in the usual Highland fashion. On 
their left were six companies of Spanish infantry 
under Colonel Don Alonzo de Santarem, and his 
brother Don Jos^, a Knight of Malta. A quarter 
of a mile eastward on their left fiank were posted 
the MacGregors under Rob Roy, whose orders 
were to make an attack upon the enemy in flank. 

On perceiving how the insurgents were posted, 
and that they had formed a breastwork (which still 
remains) to protect the pass, Wightman sent for- 
ward a line of skirmishers, who were completely 
exposed to the long muskets and deadly aim of the 
Highland marksmen. Thus, during the sharp-shoot- 
ing only one MacKenzie fell, while Huske’s horse 
was shot under him, and many soldiers of the line 
were killed and wounded. 

Here the clan of Munro becoming impatient, made 
a rush forward, but were driven back by the Mac- 


THE BATTLE OF OLENSHEIL. 


289 


kenzies and Spaniards, arid their leader, George 
Miinro of Culcairn, fell severely wounded. As the 
Spaniards continued to fire at or over him, while 
he lay on the ground, he said to his servant, who 
was also his foster-brother, and who lingered affec- 
tionately beside him, — 

Retire ; leave me to my fate ; but say to my 
father that I died here with honor, and as became 
the race we spring from.’^ 

Never,’^ replied the other, bursting into tears ; 

how can you suppose that I would forsake you 
now? No, no, George Munro; I will save you if 
I can, or remain and die with you ! 

He then spread himself and his plaid over the 
body of Culcairn, to interrupt the balls of the Span- 
iards, and received several severe wounds before 
they were both rescued and dragged off the field 
by a sergeant of the Munroes, who had sworn upon 
his dirk — the Holy Iron — to accomplish the de- 
liverance of his leader. 

Prior to this, the MacGregors had been — re- 
pulsed I 

^^Rob Roy,’^ says the new statistical account of 
Scotland, acted with more zeal than judgment by 
attacking the rear of the enemy before their front 
became engaged.’^ 

On seeing the steady array of red and yellow 
uniforms advancing, the impetuosity of his men 
could no longer be restrained by the same rules 
of discipline which ordered Don Alonzo and his 
six companies of Spaniards. 

Strike up, Alpine ! cri^d Rob to his piper ; 

19 


290 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


fall on, my lads, and cleave them down as a boy 
would cleave the thistles ! 

Then, in the usual Highland fashion, the whole 
tribe came down like a living flood upon the foe, 
with their uplifted swords flashing in the sunshine. 
An officer thus describes the fine motions of a 
Highlander when charging : — His first motion 
when descending to battle was to place his bonnet 
firmly on his head by an emphatic scrug; his sec- 
ond, to cast off his plaid ; his third, to incline his 
body horizontally forward, cover it with his target, 
rush to within fifty paces of the enemy^s fine, dis- 
charge and drop his fusee or rifle ; his fourth, to 
dart within twelve paces, discharge and fling his 
iron-stocked pistols at the foeman’s head ; his fifth, 
to draw claymore and at him ! 

The MacGregors wheeled round in a half-circle, 
fired their muskets and pistols, and then fell on the 
rear of the Dutch and loth, who faced about and 
received them on their bayonets, while some com- 
panies of the second line opened an oblique fire 
which drove them back in rout and confusion ; not, 
however, until Rob had actually his hand upon a 
regimental color, after which, closing up hand to 
hand with the Dutch colonel. Van Rasmussen, he 
unhorsed and slew him. Dawnes, a captain of the 
15th, came rushing to the rescue of the Dutchman; 
but a pistol-shot broker the blade of his sword near 
the hilt just as Rob was closing on him. 

Pass on,^^ said MacGregor, nobly, as he saluted 
with his sword the defenceless officer, who almost 
immediately after was killed by a stray bullet. 


THE BATTLE OP GLENSHEIL. 


291 


Driven up the hill in confusion and rage, the 
MacGregors now joined the MacKenzies and Mac- 
Daes in defence of the pass ; but previous to this, 
a young clansman named Eoin MacPhadrig (John, 
son of Patrick MacGregor) rushed back furiously 
among the Dutch like a tiger, and slew five of 
them before he was bayoneted and killed. With 
a thousand reverberations the steep hills echoed 
the reports of the fire-arms, the cries of the wound- 
ed, and the cheers of the combatants, as the lines 
drew closer. 

General Wightman now recalled his skirmishers, 
and ordered the grenadiers to advance. They did 
so, blowing their matches and throwing their hand- 
grenades as fast as possible. By the bursting of 
these, several Highlanders were wounded, and 
Lord Seaforth fell severely injured by a splinter, 
while to add still more to the confusion and suffer- 
ings of the wounded, the heather, which was dry 
as tinder, soft, and deeply rooted, caught fire by 
these explosions, and now sheets of flame rolled up 
the mountain-sides with clouds of murky smoke. 

Under cover of this the British and Dutch in- 
fantry made no less than three desperate attacks 
upon the insurgents, but were repulsed, and after 
a three-hours’ engagement, these combined forces 
had to retire, leaving the Highlanders in complete 
possession of the pass, where, according to Wight- 
man’s despatch, lay one hundred and forty-two of 
his soldiers, killed and wounded.* 

* Captain Dawnes and two lieutenants of the 15th were killed ; Cap- 
' tains Moore and Heighington of the 14th were wounded; Culcairn’s 
thigh was broken. 


292 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


Next day, seeing the utter futility of further re- 
sistance, Don Alonzo, whose Spaniards were natu- 
rally cold and indifferent to the cause, and who had 
suffered in the conflict, surrendered the survivors, 
two hundred and seventy-four in number, to Major 
Huske, as prisoners of war. 

On this the MacKenzies and MacRaes dispersed 
to places where none could follow them ; and 
Wightman began his retreat for Edinburgh, a march 
of more than a hundred and flfty miles. 

The Marquis of Tullybardine, the Earl Marischal 
and Seaforth, and Sir James Livingstone, after long 
concealment, and though £2,000 were offered for 
each of their heads, escaped and reached the Con- 
tinent in safety ; and thus ended, says Salmon, 
this mighty Spanish invasion, which had so much 
alarmed the three kingdoms.’^ Traces of this con- 
flict are still to be seen. Gun-barrels and bullets 
are found in the valley, and especially behind the 
manse of Glenshe'il, where the Spaniards, before 
surrendering, blew up their magazine ; and there 
is yet shown the green grave of the Dutch colonel. 
Van Rasmussen, who fell by the hand of Rob Roy, 
near the small cascade which flows into the glen. 


THE KNIGHT OF MALTA. 


293 


CHAPTER XLV. 

THE KNIGHT OF MALTA. 

Rob Roy and his followers being now left to 
themselves by the sudden dispersion of the Mac- 
Kenzies and MacRaes, while the Rosses, Munroes, 
and others, were still in arms against them, and 
while General Wightman^s troops, though retreat- 
ing, covered the main roads that led to the Perth- 
shire highlands, were thus compelled to linger near 
the shore of Loch Duich, and in the castle of Eilan 
Honan, for a few days ere they could set out on 
their return home. 

In the historical . account of Rob Roy and his 
clan, we are told briefly, that after Glensheil “ he 
and his party plundered a Spanish ship, after it 
had been in possession of the English, which so 
enriched him that he went to the braes of Balqu- 
hidder, and began farming.’^ 

The details of this affair are as follows : — 

On the night after the battle, Rob, on learning 
that Duncan nan Creagh, and other MacRaes, were 
wandering over the field, dirking and plundering 
the wounded, went there to drive them off, and to 
save as many as possible of the poor fellows. 

The early June morning dawned brightly in the 
dewy glen, which was dotted thickly with red 
and yellow coats, among whom lay nearly thirty 
Spaniards ; and Rob saw with regret the body of 


294 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Captain Dawnes ; it presented a deplorable spec- 
tacle, for both his eyes were shot out, and his face 
was a mass of blood. 

Near him was a Spanish officer, seated half up- 
right against a large stone ; his dark-olive face was 
pale, ghastly, and sorrowful. As Rob approached, 
he raised his head, and opened his black and now 
lack-lustre eyes with a vacant stare, as if the poor 
fellow sought to assure himself that blindness and 
death had not yet come upon him. His uniform 
was blue, richly laced with silver, and on his left 
breast was the gold and eight-pointed cross of 
Malta. He had received two bullet wounds in the 
body, and appeared to be sinking fast. 

As Rob Roy, like most of the loyal Highlanders, 
was, perhaps, more a Catholic than a Protestant, 
the cross upon the breast of the dying Spaniard 
excited his interest, and, stooping down, he asked, 
in English, if he could assist him. 

‘^Aqua — aqua 1 ’’ (water — water ! ”) muttered 
the sufferer, hoarsely, and then added, in good Eng- 
lish, “ Water, for the love of Heaven ! ” 

Run to the linn, Greumoch, and fill your 
quaich,'^ said Rob, raising the sufferer against his 
knee ; our forefathers lie under the shadow of the 
old cross on Inchcailloch, and they died believing in 
it as the sign of redemption unto men, so it would 
ill become us to neglect the stranger, who, with 
the cross on his breast, dies here, for King James 
VIH. Quick, Greumoch ; dash in some whiskey, 
too — it comes not amiss to the Sei-xons, and won’t 
to the Spaniards ! ” 


THE KNIGHT OF MALTA. 


295 


As soon as it was brought, he applied the 
quaich of cool, spring water and usquebaugh to 
the parched lips of the wounded officer, whose 
tongue seemed to have become baked and hard by 
loss of blood and a night of agony. 

Rob now proposed to have his wounds looked to 
and the blood stanched ; but there were no sur- 
geons near, and the Spaniard shook his head sadly, 
as if to indicate that their efforts were useless, 
and his eyes dilated wildly when Greumoch ap- 
proached him with a bunch of wild nettles, the old 
Highland panacea for all manner of cuts, stabs, and 
slashes. 

Then the Spanish cavalier smiled sadly, for he 
knew that he was mortally wounded, and felt death 
in his heart. 

What is your name — your rank ? asked Rob, 
kindly. 

“ I am Don Jose de Santarem, a Knight of Malta.^^ 

A relation of the Spanish colonel ? 

I am his brother ; but Alonzo has left me to my 
fate.’^ 

Upbraid him not,^^ said Rob ; “ he has been 
sorely pressed by the men of Culcairn and Morar 
Chattu, and is far down the glen by this time.” 

Had Rob said that he was sorely pressed by 
the Medes and Persians,” it would have been quite 
as intelligible to the Spaniard, who said, — Senor 
Escosse, could you get me a priest ? ” 

^^A priest ! ” reiterated Rob, with perplexity. 

That I may confess me before I die.” 

MacGregor shook his head. “ The priests are 


296 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


all banished or in their graves/^ said he ; the 
faith of our forefathers is proscribed here pow — 
even as the Clan Alpine are proscribed by the Par- 
liament and paper courts of the Lowlanders.’’ 

^^No priests?’^ sighed the Spaniard, with a start. 

“ Not one,” said Rob ; on which Greumoch, who 
knew a little English, whispered, — 

Maybe Paul Crubach might do — he was mighty 
near being a priest once.” 

No — no,” said Rob. Yet there is the parish 
minister of Glensheil.” 

But the Spaniard shook his head with disdain, 
and the blood spirted anew from his wounds. 

My forefathers lie buried in the chapel of our 
old castle, at Quebara, in Alava — each under mar- 
ble, with helmet, sword, and gloves of steel above 
his tomb ; but I, a brother of St. John, of Malta, 
must lie here among heretics, and it may be in 
earth that is unconsecrated otherwise than by the 
blessed dew of heaven ! ” 

Nay,” said Rob, earnestly ; this shall not be ! 
You are dying, my brave man — I ^an see death in 
your face, for I have seen it in the faces of too 
many not to know it now ; but I swear that you 
shall lie in consecrated earth.” 

Swear this to me ! ” gasped the Spaniard, writh- 
ing his body towards the speaker, whose hand he 
grasped convulsively. 

I swear it I ” said Rob, pressing his dirk to his 

lApS. 

You vow on your steel, as we do in my coun- 
try,” said the Spaniard, while his eyes sparkled 


THE KNIGHT OF MALTA. 


297 


with an unwonted light ; ‘‘ listen to me — I will 
reward yon, if I can.’^ 

I seek no reward/^ said Rob Roy ; you are 
a Spaniard, who came hither to fight for our king, 
and against those lumbering louts, the Dutch, who 
came from King William^s country — bodachs, who 
know not a stag’s horn from a steer’s stump, as the 
saying is.” 

“Alas! {ay demi!) how little I thought to die in 
this wild land,” said the Spaniard, closing his eyes, 
while his voice became more and more husky; 
“but draw nearer; keep your oath, and I shall 
reward you. I had charge of our treasure chest ; 
it contains three thousand pistoles of Madrid and 
Malaga.” 

“And where is this chest?” whispered Rob, very 
naturally becoming more interested. 

“ It is on board a small galley or launch — which 

— which lies wedged ” 

“ Where — where ? ” asked MacGregor ; for the 
Spaniard’s voice and powers were failing fast. 

“ Wedged among the rocks, near where we 
formed a battery — ” 

“ At the mouth of Loch Duich ? ” 

“ I know not how you name it — but ’tis there 

— there ! ” 

“ Good ; speak on.” 

“ Three British ships of war are hovering ofi* the 
coast, and that treasure will become their prize, if 
you do not anticipate them. The pistoles are — are 
— are in a coffer marked with the cross of Malta.” 
After this the poor Spaniard relinquished his Eng- 


298 THE ADVENTURES OF^ ROB ROY. 

lish, which was very broken, and began to talk and 
pray incoherently in Spanish and Latin, till gradually 
he became insensible, and in less than an hour had 
ceased to exist. 

Rob Roy kept his word, and as soon as Don 
Jose was dead, he wrapped him up in a plaid, and 
conveyed him, with Alpine playing a lament in 
front, to Killduich, and there buried him at the east 
end of that ancient church, in a grave over which 
he placed a rough wooden cross, and above which 
all his followers fired thrice their muskets and 
pistols in the air. 

That the Colonel Don Alonzo de Santarem did 
not endeavor to secure the military chest before 
surrendering to General Wightman, was probably 
because he was menaced by the Clans of Ross 
and Munro, who hovered between him and the 
sea, and by threatening his little camp, ultimately 
enforced his capitulation. 

Rob now instantly seized boats, and with half his 
followers departed in search of what he termed 
the Spaniard’s legacy ; ” while Greumoch, with 
the rest, occupied the castle of Eilan Donan, to 
await his return. It was evening now. After a 
long and careful search — a search which a dense 
fog impeded — in a sequestered creek of Loch 
Duich, the MacGregors found the craft they sought, 
partly jammed upon a reefi She appeared to be 
the large, half-decked launch of one of the Spanish 
frigates, both of which had now put to sea and dis- 
appeared. She lay in a deep chasm of the wild 
rocks, at the base of a steep mountain, the sides of 


THE KNIGHT OF MALTA. 


299 


which had been bared and rent by the scriddans 
of a thousand years — for so the*natives term those 
water-torrents which at times hurl down gravel 
and maseive stones, in vast heaps, to desolate the 
fields, the shore, or whatever may lie at the foot 
of these rugged hills in Kintail and Glensheil. 

Here dense green ivy covered the brows of the 
chasm that beetled over the sea, and under it the 
hawks, the wild pigeons, an^ the sea-birds built 
their nests. Lower down were holes and fissures, 
in which the crabs and lobsters lurked, till the 
countrywomen came in boats. to drag them out 
with old corn sickles, or other iron instruments, 
and by their songs and voices to scare the sea- 
dogs from the ledges, where they lay basking in 
the sunshine. 

The launch was mounted with pateraroes, but 
how she came to be in such a situation we have 
no means of knowing ; her crew, v^hich consisted 
of some thirty Spanish seamen, though all well 
armed, jumped out of her, and fled up the rocks 
on the appearance of the MacG-regors, as they 
knew not whether they were friends or foes, and 
were scared by their singular costume and bare 
limbs. 

This craft, which was undoubtedly the launch of 
one of the frigates (that is, a boat of the largest 
size, for carrying great weight), had a kind of half- 
deck forward ; and under the hatch of this, which 
was well secured by locks, bars, and iron bands, 
Rob had no doubt the money lay. Just as he and 
a number of his followers sprang on board, a shout 


300 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


from some of them who were higher up on the 
rocks drew his attention seaward. 

The fog had risen now, like the lower end of a 
thick gray curtain, showing the offing t)f Loch 
Alsh sparkling in silver ripples under the rising 
moon, and there, creeping along the shore, were 
three British frigates — doubtless the three of 
which the dying Spaniard had spoken — under easy 
sail, with their top-sails, white as snow, glittering 
in the silvery sheen, though darkness yet obscured 
their lower sails and hulls. 

Bight before the wind they had been standing 
up Loch Alsh, and slightly altering their course, 
were now penetrating that branch of it which is 
named Loch Duich. 


CHAPTER XLVI. 

EILAN DON AN. 

Sailing up Loch Duich, favored by the fog, 
they had approached unseen to within a mile of 
where the Spanish launch lay in the creek, and 
midway between were three large armed boats, full 
of seamen and marines, pulling in shoreward with 
long and easy strokes. Up, up went the fog from 
the bosom of the brightening lake, — up the steep 
slopes of the dark mountains; and now the full 
splendor of the moon shone along the deep and 


EILAN DONAN. 


301 


narrow arm of the Atlantic, showing the bayonets, 
cutlasses, and broad-bladed oars, as they flashed and 
glittered in her silver rays. These vessels were 
the Mermaidj the Dover, and the Stirling Castle, 
three thirty-gun ships or fourth-rates. The latter 
was one of the old Scottish fleet amalgamated with 
the English at the union, when Scotland had a com- 
plete set of frigates named after her royal palaces 
and castles. 

The sudden appearance and close proximity of 
their approaching foes somewhat disconcerted even 
the MacGregors ; but Rob, who was full of strat- 
egy, formed his plans in a moment. 

Dioul ! said he ; to have this prize — the 
Spaniard’s legacy — torn out of our teeth at this 
moment will never do ! We must draw the atten- 
tion of these Sassenachs to another point.” 

How — how ? ” asked his followers. 

“ By flring on them.” 

But they are beyond range ! ” 

Never mind,” said Rob ; they will soon be 
within it.” 

Your plan — your plan?” asked some, with 
anxiety. 

He sent twenty of his best marksmen with all 
speed to a point of rock about a quarter of a mile 
above where the launch lay, with orders to lure the 
enemy along the shore. 

^‘Away, lads,” said he, ^^and join us at Eilan 
Donan.” 

Running with the speed of hares, the MacGreg- 
ors scampered over the rocks, loading their long 


302 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


Spanish guns as they went, and on gaining the 
place indicated, crouched among the whins and 
heather, from which they opened a fire on the 
boats, which were barely yet within range of 
the fire-arms then in use. Flash, flash, flash, went 
the muskets redly out of the dark obscurity along 
the rocky shore, and a thousand echoes repeated 
the reports. 

The challenge was soon accepted. A cheer rang 
across the shining lake from the man-of-war boats, 
and with fresh energy the oarsmen bent them to the 
task of rowing. Ere long the marines and small- 
arm men began to reply with their muskets ; but 
they never hit one of the MacGregors, who were 
protected and concealed by bushes, boulder-stones, 
and ridges of rock ; while the crowded boats pre- 
sented a large mark for their muskets, which they 
could level steadily over the objects which pro- 
tected them. 

Leaping from rock to rock and from bush to bush, 
stooping down to reload, and starting up to fire, 
the MacGregors lured the boats’ crews for nearly 
two miles up the loch in search of a landing-place, * 
and then left them ; for the whole twenty mgirks- 
men, with a shout of defiance and derision, plunged 
down a dark ravine, and took their way leisurely 
to Eilan Donan, without one of them being injured, 
while, on the other side, several unfortunate fel- 
lows were killed and wounded in the baffled boats 
of the frigates. 

In the mean time Rob Roy was not idle on board 
the launch. 


EILAN DON AN. 


303 


The hatch of the foredeck was soon burst open, 
and the black coffer described by the knight of 
Malta as being the military chest of the Spanish 
expedition — at least, of that portion which his 
brother commanded — was found. It was speedily 
forced, and there, in canvas bags, were found the 
heavy gold pistoles of Madrid and Malaga, each of 
which was worth sixteen shillings and ninepence 
sterling. 

. While the firing between the marksmen and the 
boats^ crews was proceeding briskly, but receding 
up the loch, and while the frigates, with their star- 
board tacks on board, crept closer and closer in 
shore, till Rob could hear the voice of the leadsman 
in the forechains of each as they sounded constantly 
“ in these, to them, almost unknown waters, he and 
his men were filling their dorlachs or haversacks 
with the treasure ; after which they ate and drank 
all the provisions and liquors found in the launch, 
chiefly a bag of biscuits and a keg of brandy. 

Then, to prevent the boat from becoming a prize 
to any of the king’s ships, he ordered her to be set 
on fire, which was speedily done by thrusting bun- 
dles of dry branches and tarred rope under the 
foredeck, where her sails were stowed, and then 
applying a light. 

The launch burned rapidly. The glare of the 
conflagration and ’explosion of the pateraroes as 
they became heated, soon attracted the attention, 
of the boats’ crews, and brought them down the‘ 
loch, pulling with all their speed; but ere they 
reached the creek there remained only a heap of 


304 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


charred and smouldering wood, with the brass 
swivels or pateraroes lying among it. By this 
time Bob Roy and his men had crossed the inter- 
vening hills, and were far on their way to Lord 
Seaforth’s castle of Eilan Donan. 

They soon reached this fine old fortress, which 
had been built by Alexander III. to protect Loch 
Duich from the Danes, and of which he made Colin 
Fitzgerald (a brave Irishman, who served underi 
his banner at the victory of Largs) the first con- 
stable, in the year 1263. It consisted of a square 
keep, the walls of which measured four feet thick. 
It was surrounded by an outer rampart, and by 
water at full tide. Eilan Donan was a place of 
great strength, and the keep was lofty and spacious. 
The oldest parishioner (in 1793) remembered to 
have seen Duncan nan Creagh and other Kintail 
men under arms on its leaden roof, and dancing 
there merrily, ere they marched to the battle of 
Sheriffmuir, from whence few of them ever re- 
turned. 

Here Rob Roy and the MacGregors took up their 
quarters. Roaring fires were lighted in the great 
kitchen, and a couple of deer were soon roasting 
and sputtering on the spits, while ale and usque- 
baugh went joyously round in quaichs, cups, and 
long blackjacks in the hall, where the spoil — the 
treasure of the Spanish launch — was fairly por- 
tioned out, every man sharing alike, while a large 
sum was put aside for old and poor folks at home, 
not forgetting even Paul Crubach. 

In the midst of all this the boom of a distant 


EILAN DONAN. 


305 


cannon was heard ; another and another followed ; 
and then a tremendous crash, as a twenty-four- 
pound shot passed through the windows of the hall, 
and tore down a mass of masonry opposite. 

All rushed to the windows or to the roof, and lo ! 
with their broadsides to the shore, there lay two of 
the frigates, the Mermaid^ under Commander Sam- 
uel Goodiere, and the Dover, under Nicolas Robert- 
son, with their foreyards backed, and opened ports, 
from which the red flashes of the ordnance broke 
incessantly, as they commenced a vigorous cannon- 
ade on Eilan Donan, which they had special orders 
to destroy, as a stronghold of the house of Sea- 
forth. 

This is no place for us now, lads,^^ said Rob ; 
so, ho for the march home. We have many a step 
between this and Balquhidder, so the sooner we 
depart the better.’^ 

Dislodged thus unexpectedly from Eilan Donan, 
to reach the mainland Rob and his hardy followers 
forded that portion of the isthmus which lay under 
water when the tide was at half ebb, and just as 
the clear summer twilight was brightening into* 
day, they retired among the mountains that look 
down on the Shell. 

For some hours they could hear the din of the 
cannonade against Eilan Donan, which was so com- 
pletely battered and destroyed, that little or nothing 
remains of it now, save its foundations, and a well, 
in which, a few years ago, a quantity of plate and 
flre-arms was discovered. Several of the cannon- 
balls fired on this occasion have been found from 
20 


306 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

time to time, by the country people, who used them 
as weights for the sale of butter and cheese. 

Not content with the demolition of the castle, the 
commanders of the frigates landed their crews, and 
with great wantonness burned the old church of 
Killduich to the ground, and pillaged the poor 
peasantry. 

This severity was not unrequited by fate ; for we 
learn from Shomberg’s “ Naval Chronology,” that 
Captain Nicolas Robertson was soon after tried by 
a court-martial for keeping- false musters and de- 
frauding the Government, in whose cause he was 
so zealous when in the Highland lochs ; and on the 
4th April, 1740, Samuel Goodiere, then a captain, 
was hanged for the murder of his own brother on 
board H.M.S. Buhy in the Bristol Channel. 


CHAPTER XLYII. 

THE harper’s ransom. 

Towards the evening of the next day the Mac- 
Gregors, on their homeward march, found them- 
selves in the country of the Camerons, at the head 
of Loch Arkeig, a long and narrow sheet of water, 
lying between rugged mountains, and stretching 
far away towards Glen Mhor n’Albyn, or the great 
valley of Caledonia, which runs diagonally across 
the kingdom, from the German Sea to the Atlantic. 


THE harper’s ransom. 


307 


They bivouacked at the head of the loch, lighted a 
fire, and having no enemies in the neighborhood, 
prepared to pass the night pleasantly, wrapped in 
their plaids, on the soft blooming heather; but first 
Rob Roy placed two sentinels on the drove road 
that led to and from their halting-place, that perfect 
security might not be neglected. 

The summer night was clear and warm, and every 
star shone brightly amid the blue ether; all was 
stillness and deep silence, save where a mountain 
stream, a tributary of Loch Arkeig, swept down, 
now over falls and stony rapids, or among bold, im- 
pending rocks spotted with lichens and tufted with 
broom, and now among pale hazel groves and black 
clumps of red-stemmed pine. 

The MacG-regors had scarcely been here two 
hours, and, weary with their march and lulled by 
the hum of the hurrying stream, most of them were 
fast asleep, when Rob heard his sentinels in violent 
altercation with a stranger ; and as the Gaelic lan- 
guage is deficient neither in expletives nor male- 
dictions, they were plentifully used on this occa- 
sion. On sending Greumoch to ascertain the cause 
of all this, he soon returned, with his drawn dirk 
gleaming in one hand, while by the other he drag- 
ged forward a harper, in whom, by the firelight, 
Rob immediately recognized Gillian Ross, the Isles- 
man, who had acted as their guide to Glensheil. 

He was a man well up in years; his hair and 
flowing beard were snowy white ; but his cheek 
was ruddy, and his eye had a merry twinkle which 
showed that as a son of song he had led a jovial 


308 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


life and a roving one, though among turbulent clans, 
in a wild country, and in perilous times. 

His kilt and plaid were of the Eoss tartan, which 
is gayly striped with red, green, and blue ; and his 
clairsach, or little Scottish harp, was slung on his 
back by a belt, and covered with a case of tarpaulin 
or tarred canvas — probably a piece of a boat-sail. 
He carried a blackthorn stick, and as his occupation 
was a peaceful one, he had no weapon save a dirk, 
which, like the mouth-piece of his sporan, was gayly 
adorned with silver. A spy, a spy ! ” cried the 
MacGregors, starting up and crowding about hina 
with ominous expressions in their weather-beaten 
faces. 

What is the meaning of this, thou son of the 
son of Alpine ? he boldly demanded of Rob, in 
his figurative Gaelic ; the children of the Gael 
should not draw their swords on each other, and 
still less on a son of song.” 

Yet, son of song,” replied Rob, dryly, you 
played those Rosses and Munroes, and the men of 
Morar Chattu, into battle against us near Hounan 
Hiarmed* in Glensheil — the tomb of one whom 
Ossian loved. Eh, what say you to that ? ” 

There have been cold steel and hot blood be- 
tween our people,” began the harper, in a gentler 
tone. 

“ True ; but that was in the times of old ; and 
now the righteous cause of our king should make 
even the false Whigs true, and every clan unite in 
one.” 

* A warrior of Fingal, whose grave lies near the Manse of Glensheil. 
Morar Chattu is the Celtic name of the Earls of Sutherland. 


THE harper’s ransom. 


309 


“ Even the Grrahames with the Clan Alpine ? ” 
said the harper, with a cunning smile. 

^^Yes — even the Grahames with the Clan Al- 
pine ! ’’ repeated Rob, stamping his foot on the 
heather. “ I could find in my heart forgiveness for 
them all, would they but join the king.” 

When that day comes, the lamb shall share the 
lair of the lion, and the cushat-dove shall seek the 
nest of gled and iolar,” replied the harper, still 
smiling. 

^‘Whence come you, and where is your home?” 

“The Isle of the Pigmies, in the west — far 
away amid the sea,” replied the harper, with a 
sigh ; “ and would, MacGregor, I were there now, 
where its black rocks are covered with sheets of 
snowy foam, where the wild sea-birds wheel and 
scream above the breakers, and where the level 
sunshine and the rolling sea go far together into 
its gloomy caves and weedy chasms.” 

The harper referred to one of the Western Isles, 
a little solitary place, where stand the ruins of a 
chapel, and where it was believed a dwarfish race 
were buried of old ; “ for many strangers digging 
deep into the earth have found, and do yet find,” 
says Buchanan, “ little round skulls and the bones 
of small human bodies, that do not in the least 
differ from the ancient reports concerning pigmies.” 

“ I am grieved, harper, that you should die so far 
from your kindred and their burial-place,” said 
Rob, -gravely. 

“ Die I wherefore should I die ? ” asked the 
harper, starting, while his countenance fell. 


310 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


Oogh ay ! exclaimed several MacGregors, 
who were yawning and crowding round ; “ just 
let the bodach be hanged at once, and then we 
shall go to sleep again.’^ 

Or would you prefer to be drowned ? ” said 
Greumoch ; Loch Arkeig is close by, and the 
water there is warm and deep.” 

Neither is my wish,” said the harper, fiercely ; 

I am a guiltless man, and demand my freedom ! ” 

^^Why were you in the ranks of the king’s rebels 
at Glensheil ? ” asked Rob, sternly. 

I was not in their ranks ! ” 

“ You played them into battle.” 

But I fought not — nor was I even girded with 
a‘ sword.” 

“ By my father’s soul, that mattered little ! A 
minstrel — a harper — should not play the traitor 
like a glaiket gilly.” 

“ I went but to sing of the fight, that the story 
of it might go down to future times, even as the 
battles of our forefathers have come down by the 
songs of the bards to us. I went but as Ian Lorn 
went with Montrose to Inverlochy. Had he fought 
there and fallen, who would have told us how he, 

The bard of their battles, ascended the height 
Where dark Inverlochy o’ershadowed the fight, 

And saw the Clan Donnell resistless in might ? 

“ Have you so committed to song our victory at 
Glensheil?” asked MacGregor, with a sharp glance ; 
but the harper hung his head Ha ! then what 
sought you here to-night ? ” 


THE harper’s ransom. 311 

^MVas it to spy upon us?” added several Mac- 
Gregors, with scowling brows ; answer, Islesman, 
while your skin is whole ! ” 

By the Black Stones of Iona, I swear that I 
knew not you were in the land of Lochiel ! ” said 
the harper, earnestly ; and beware how you spill 
my blood, for my mother was one of the Camerons, 
the sons of the Soldier of Ovi. I was peacefully 
pursuing my way to the fair of Kill-chuimin.” 

It may be so,” said Rob Roy ; for that fair is 
almost at hand. Tie him to a tree ; in the morning 
I will speak with him again.” 

The harper submitted in silence, and was bound 
to a tree, when a plaid was thrown over him and 
his harp, as a protection from the dew ; and Greu- 
moch, with a true Highland grin or grimace, gave 
him a dram, saying, As it is the last you are likely 
to get, drain the quaich.” 

By dawn the MacGregors were all afoot again ; 
they wiped and rubbed their weapons to preserve 
them from rust ; shook the crystal dew from their 
kilts and plaids ; then the pipes struck up a quick- 
step, and they proceeded on their homeward way, 
taking with them the harper, concerning whom 
Rob Roy had given no instructions, for he was loth 
to punish him, though deeming that he deserved to 
be so. 

For two days he conveyed him thus a prisoner, 
telling him that if he was actually going to the 
fair of Kill-chuimin (or the burial-place of the Cu- 
mins, as the Highlanders called Fort Augustus) his 


312 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


time would not be lost, as their way lay so for 
together. 

Towards the evening of the second day, they 
halted on a wild moorland waste, called Blair na 
Carrahan, or the moor of the ciTcles, for there, amid 
the vast expanse of purple heather, were several 
large Druidical rings, wherein, it was confidently 
affirmed, the fairies always danced on the Eve of 
St. John ; but more especially around a large obe- 
lisk which stood in the centre of one, and was 
covered with Runic figures. 

When they halted in this desolate place, the 
harper became alarmed, and begged so earnestly 
to be released, that Rob said, — 

You must ransom yourself 

Ransom ! — do you speak of ransom to one who 
has not in the world a coin the size of a herring 
scale ? ” 

Ransom yourself by a song or a story, I was 
about to say. If either meet with the general 
approval of my kinsmen, you shall be free — free as 
the winds that shake the harebells and the broom 
on the braes of Balquhidder ; but fail us in song or 
story, and by the G-ray Stone in Glenfruin you shall 
hang — hang like the false cullion I deem you I ” 

Gillian Ross made a double Highland bow ; the 
cord was taken from his wrists, and slung with a 
noose of very unpleasant aspect over the Druid 
monolith, for thereon he was to hang, if he failed 
to win the general applause. 

The poor harper eyed it wistfully, and then seated 
himself on the green grass in the centre of the fairy 


THE HARPER^S RANSOM. 


313 


circle, around which the MacGregors were loung- 
ing, with their arms beside them. He uncased his 
^arp, and after running his fingers rapidly through 
the strings, suddenly seemed to change his intention 
to sing, and said he would tell them a story. A 
murmur of assent responded. 

On that vast purple moorland, bounded in the 
distance by the countless dark-blue mountain peaks 
of Argyle, a picturesque group they formed, those 
weather-beaten clansmen, in their parish tartans, 
with their polished weapons, their round targets, 
and bare legs stretched upon the heather. Then 
there was also the green fairy circle, in the centre 
of which rose the gray old obelisk, and at its base 
reclined the bearded harper on his harp. The sun, 
as he set beyond the western peaks, crimsoned like a 
sheet of wine the heather of the Blair na Carrahan, 
and tipped with ruddy light the harper’s silver 
beard and the glittering strings of his harp, as he 
told the following story, which we render here, not 
in his poetical and somewhat inflated Gaelic, but in 
our own way. 


314 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


CHAPTER XLYIII. 

MORRA NA SHEAN, OR THE LORD OF THE VENISON. 

Far away in the north of Caithness stands the 
castle of Braal, on an eminence above the river 
Thurso. It is a vast square tower, with walls of 
great thickness, having the narrow stairs v/hich lead 
to its various stories formed in the heart of them. 
A deep fosse lies on its north side, and the remains 
of various other ditches and outworks are traceable 
around it. 

In the days of WiUiam I. of Scotland, surnamed 
the Lion, because he first put that emblem on his 
banners and seals, this castle was one of the many 
residences of Harold Earl of Caithness and Count 
of Orkney, Lord of Kirkwall, Braal, and Lochmore, 
who was otherwise named Morrar na Shean, or 
Lord of the Venison, from his passionate love of 
hunting and all rural sports. 

Yet his character was cruel, fierce, morose, and 
savage; and he loved hunting chiefly because it 
was a means of indulging in bloodshed, slaughter, 
and destruction. 

He brained with his axe every hound which 
proved faulty ; and on more than one occasion, 
huntsmen who had erred, violated the rules of the 
chase, or otherwise incurred his displeasure, were 
tied to trees and left to be devoured by wolves. 


THE LORD OF THE VENTSON. 


315 


One, named Magnns of Staneland, he chained to a 
low rock in the sea, and left there to perish miser- 
ably by drowning as the tide rose. 

Harold was a handsome and stately man, of great 
stature and strength. His fair hair and beard were 
curly and flowing; but his eyes were keen and 
wicked in expression, and his brows were ever 
knitted as if in perpetual defiance or wrath, unless 
at times when, gorged with food or flushed with 
wine, he joined in the chorus of the harpers who 
sang his praises at his banquets and festivals’. 

He could bend a stronger bow than three men 
could bend together. He was wont to twirl three 
sharp swords at once, catching each by the hilt in 
turn ; and he could walk lightly arid agilely along 
the oars of his great birlinn, or galley, when it was 
being propelled by the rowers, most of whom were 
Finns or Wends, whom he had captured in the Bal- 
tic and chained to its benches as slaves. 

Though he gave vast sums towards the comple- 
tion of the cathedral church of St. Magnus, which 
had been founded at Kirkwall by his predecessor, 
Count Bognwald of Orkney, in 1138, he was aver- 
red to be at heart an infidel ; and Adam, Bishop of 
Caithness, an amiable and gentle prelate, who fre- 
quently reproved his excesses, once said to him, — 
Earl Harold, are you a heathen or a believer? 
Do you hope for the valhalla of Odin or the heaven 
of the Christians ? ’’ 

I believe in my strong arm and sharp sword,’^ 
said he, haughtily. “Am I a woman or a boy, that 
thou, a mitred monk, shouldst question me thus ? 


316 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Moreover, remember that I would rather be ad- 
dressed as Morrar na Shean — Lord of the Yenison 
— than as lord of all our uncounted isles.’^ 

And from that time he hated the old bishop in 
his heart ; so much so, that J ohn of Harpidale, one 
of his chief followers, proposed to have the prel- 
ate boiled alive in the great hunting caldron, and 
given in broth to their hounds. 

The earPs galley had thirty benches of rowers ; 
its prow was adorned by the head of a horse, richly 
gilded, and its sides and stern shone with gilding 
and plates of burnished brass ; its sails were pur- 
ple, and along its sides hung the shields of John 
of Harpidale, l^horolf Starkadder, and others, who 
were his vassals. In its prow sat twenty bearded 
harpers, with their harps, and to their songs the 
long sweeps of the rowers kept time. 

Wolves are said to have followed this great war- 
galley along the shore, and screaming eagles, car- 
rion crows, and other birds, ventured out to sea in 
expectation of the banquet that awaited them ; for, 
in his quarrels and feuds with his island neighbors, 
Morrar na Shean carried havoc and dismay wher- 
ever he went, and frequently appropriated, without 
inquiry, the ships that sailed between the Baltic 
coasts, the Elbe, and Flanders. 

Then when his galley, with its purple sails shining 
in the sun, and its long red streamers floating on 
the wind, was seen cleaving with gilded prow the 
stormy seas that roll round the Orcades and Thule, 
it spread terror, for the simple people of the isles 
believed it had been built by the gnomes who 


THE LORD OF THE VENISON. 


317 


abode in the sea-riven caves of Cape Wrath, and 
that they had constructed it with such powerful 
spells, that whenever the sails were spread, they 
directed its course wherever the earl wished, with- 
out an order being issued. 

On the 16th of April, 1150, the festival of St. 
Magnus the Martyr, John of Harpidale, and Thorolf 
Starkadder, bn feeling some unpleasant twinges of 
temporary compunction for their misdeeds, urged 
the earl to visit either Rome or Kirkwall ; for so 
great was the sanctity of the Patron of the Isles, 
that the Orcadians were long wont to decide by a 
throw, of the dice whether they should pay their 
devotions at the shrine of St. Peter or the Martyr 
of Orkney. 

But Morrar na Shean laughed at them, and swore 
with a great oath that he would visit neither, as he 
had merrier Vork to do. Then, collecting a great 
train of followers, he sailed away north, up the 
Cattegat, to the assistance of the King of Den- 
mark, Waldemar the Great, who had recently re- 
paired the wall of Gotrick, subdued the pagans of 
Rugen, and called himself lord of all the countries 
northward of the Elbe. 

Earl Harold was long gone, and silence and 
emptiness reigned in the hall and chambers of 
Braal ; but there were peace and repose in Caith- 
ness and the Isles. The red deer roamed on the 
hills, unscared by the bay of hound or the blast of 
horn ; without fear the fishers put forth to cast 
their nets in Scapa Flow and the Sound of Yell, to 
hunt the huge whale in the sandy bays, or the 


318 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

tusky walrus on the sea-weedy rocks : and the 
white-haired Bishop of Caithness began to hope 
that they had all seen the last of the terrible Mor- 
rar na Shean. 

But lo ! one day, when the dark scud was driving 
fast across the northern sky, when the boiling foam 
rose high on every storm-beat cape and bluff, when 
the wild sea-fowl were flying far inland, and the 
hissing waves rolled white as snow over the Sker- 
ries of the Pentland Firth and the black Boars of 
Dungisbay Head, the well-known purple sails of the 
great birlinn were seen, as she came flying through 
the mist and spray, with her long sweeps flashing, 
and the sheen of helmets and bucklers glittering 
above her bulwarks in the partial gleams of a 
stormy setting sun. 

Then fast went the news over continent and isle 
that Morrar na Shean had come again, and that he 
had brought with him, out of the distant north, the 
Princess Gunhilda as his wife — the only daughter 
of Waldemar, the Danish king; so, many who feared 
more than they loved him, crowded to see the dame 
who was now to be the lady of Braal, and mother 
of the future Earls of Caithness and Counts of 
Orkney. 

With the wiry tinkle of harps, the blare of brass 
trumpets and of hunting-horns, the voices of the 
rowers mingling with the regular plash of the long 
sweeps to which they were chained, the great gal- 
ley came into the Bay of Inver-thorsa (or the mouth 
of the great river of Thor), whence Thurso takes 
its name ; and all the people of Caithness were 


THE LOED OP THE VENISON. 319 

crowding on the shore, as thickly as the gulls and 
cormorants that cluster on the rocky Clett, which 
guards the entrance of the haven. 

As she stepped ashore, the grace and beauty of 
the Danish princess charmed all ,* but she seemed 
pale and sad, for she had espoused the warlike 
Harold in obedience only to her father ^s will. Yet 
they seemed a stately pair. 

She wore a blue silk tunic, a long flowing mantle 
of fine white cloth, adorned by ribbons and tassels 
of gold ; a veil of rich lace flowed from under the 
half-diadem which she wore above her golden 
tresses, in virtue of her rank as a king’s daughter 
and an earl’s wife ; and she had massive bracelets 
and armlets of gold. 

The fierce Harold wore his lurich, or shirt of 
mail, that reached to his knees, which were bare. 
It was formed of fine rings of the brightest steel. 
He had long sandal-like boots of thick leather, 
studded with gilt knobs ; and a golden serpent 
surmounted his helmet, which was of polished 
steel. His mantle was of purple silk, and hung 
from his shoulders by two sparkling brooches. 

Massive bracelets of gold and silver were on his 
wrists. He carried a sword, a spear, a round shield 
of steel burnished like 'a mirror, and wore at his 
right side a mattacuslash, or long Scottish arm-pit 
dagger. 

John of Harpidale, Thorolf Starkadder, and oth- 
ers, all similarly armed, leaped noisily ashore, with 
helmets and hauberks ringing, and brandished their 


320 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


swords in token of greeting to the people, and to 
express joy on treading their native soil again. 

And now the gathered multitude divided like 
the waves of the sea to make way for an aged man 
who approached with a gilded pastoral staff in his 
hand, but whose garments were humble as those of 
a cowled friar. He was Adam, Bishop of Caithness, 
and lately Abbot of Melrose, who, preceded by his 
cross-bearer, and followed by many ecclesiastics of 
his diocese, came to bless the newly-married pair. 

The countess, though the daughter of a powerful 
king, knelt reverently and humbly to receive the 
old man^s benison; but not so the haughty earl, 
who had sworn never to bow his head to mortal 
man, so he passed proudly on, and repaired to his 
castle of Braal. 

On the very day after his arrival, he quitted the 
countess, and, accompanied by John of Harpidale, 
by Thorolf Starkadder, and other favorite compan- 
ions, departed on one of his great hunting expedi- 
tions. 

There were with him more than five hundred 
huntsmen, armed with bows, arrows, knives, and 
spears ; and they had with them at least two hun- 
dred of the strong, wiry, rough-haired Scottish 
hounds, to scour the hills for game. 

For many days the sport was carried over hill 
and through valley ; and every night the hunters 
formed a camp. A fire was lighted of fuel piled 
up as high as a house, and often the houses of the 
poor were unroofed for the purpose. 

The glare of this great fire was visible at mid- 


THE LORD OP THE VENISON. 


321 


night from the mountains of Pnmona and the Pent- 
land Skerries far away out in the lonely ocean. 
Around it were scores of pots and kettles boiling 
salmon and chickens ; and thereat were heathcocks, 
capercailzie, ptarmigan, venison, boars’ liams, and 
partridges, being baked, broiled, roasted, or stewed ; 
while ale, usquebaugh, and wines from Burgundy 
and the Flemings of Ostende, were drunk by the 
roystering huntsmen, who often danced hand in 
hand round the vast roaring pyramid of flame, as 
their pagan sires were wont to do at the Baal-tein 
feasts of old, and if one by chance fell in, the fun 
was all the greater. 

At times they would fill their cups to the brim, 
and standing in a circle round Morrar na Shean, 
whose goblet was full of wine, of ale, and of us- 
quebaugh mixed together, they shouted, — 

0 Lord, let the world be turned upside down, 
that brave men may make bread out of it ! ” 

And then the cups were drained, and, amid wild 
hurrahs, flung high into the air. 

Morrar na Shean, though he lived in so early an 
age of Scottish history, was not without some skill 
in mechanics; for we are informed that ^Hhere was 
a chest’ or some kind of machine fixed in the mouth 
of the stream below the castle (of Lochmore) foi 
catching salmon in their ingress into the loch, oi 
their egress out of it, and that immediately on the 
fish being entangled in the machine, the capture 
was announced to the family by the ringing of a 
bell, which the struggles of the fish set in motion, 
by means of a fine cord, one end of which was at- 
21 


322 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


tached to a bell in the middle of an upper room, and 
the other end to the machine in the stream below.^^ 

This was an ingenious fish-trap ; but while the 
Lord of the Venison pursued his more furious 
sports and drunken orgies, the poor Princess Gun- 
hilda was left in utter loneliness at the castle of 
Braal; and the long nights which her husband 
spent in roystering among his wild followers were 
passed by her often in tears, and at the deeply- 
arched windows of the lofty hall or of her bower 
chamber, watching the merry dancers, the streamers 
of the northern lights, which made her think of her 
Danish home, of her mother^s farewell kiss, of the 
castle of Axel-huis, and the green, waving woods 
of Zealand. 

Harold was soon weary of his wife, for her ex- 
treme gentleness tired him, and he loved her not, 
though he longed for a son — a little Count of Ork- 
ney — to heir his vast possessions, and in whose 
baby face he might see his own ferocious visage 
reflected. 

He prayed at holy wells, and, candle in hand, he 
went barefoot in sackcloth garments, with ashes on 
his head, to every shrine of sanctity in the Nort^rn 
Isles ; he sent gifts to Adam the bishop, and offer- 
ings to the altar of St. Magnus at Kirkwall, with 
silver lamps, rich garments, candles of perfumed 
wax, and jars of oil and wine ; seeking in return 
of the prebendaries only their prayers that he 
might have a son; but on the Yule-day of 1153, 
the countess had a dmighter^ whom she named after 
her mother the queen, Algiva. 


THE LORD OP THE VENISON. 


323 


Morrar na Shean was furious with disappoint- 
ment ; he reviled Bishop Adam, and threatened to 
burn his cathedral, where prayers had proved of so 
little avail. Then for days and nights he sat drink- 
ing with J ohn of Harpidale and Thorolf Starkadder ; 
and thereafter ordering his great galley to be got 
in readiness, they put to sea, and were driven by a 
storm so far as Bona, a lonely isle which lies far 
amid the Atlantic sea, thirty leagues westward of 
the Orcades. In Bona was a little chapel, dedica- 
ted by a chief of the isles to St. Bonan, and it was 
said to be guarded by an unseen spirit ; for if any 
person in the island died and a shovel was placed 
near the altar over night, a grave was found ready 
dug in the morning. 

The place was lonely and solemn, for no sound 
was ever heard there but the sough of the gusty 
sea-breeze, and the mournful moan of the white 
waves as they clomb the echoing rocks. 

Sad and soothing as was the scene, yet in sheer 
despite at being driven so far away, Morrar and his 
followers ravaged this poor place, destroyed the 
chapel, and slew some of the people on the adjacent 
island of Suliska. But the vengeance of Heaven 
pursued them ; for when returning, the great galley 
struck upon the Clett, a rock four hundred feet in 
height, near the entrance of Thurso Bay, and many 
of her crew were drowned. 

Prior to this, Morrar na Shean had ceased to ad- 
dress Heaven, and now appealed to the idols of his 
forefathers. He visited the Temple of the Moon 
in Innistore, and at midnight, with strange barbaric 


324 THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 

rites, on his bare knees, spilt .some of his blood, by 
the selfdnflicted stab of a dagger, on the central 
stone of Power. 

This was a great obelisk carved with serpents, 
and the jormagundr or great sea-snake, the emblem 
of eternity ; and with many mystic emblems and 
Runic inscriptions; and there, between midnight 
and morn, he prayed for the assistance of the Moon, 
of Odin, and Thor. But all this mummery was 
vain ; for on his return he found that the countess 
had given birth to a second daughter, whom she had 
named Erica ; and in the blindness of his wrath 
the earl struck her with his hand clenched in his 
steel glove, and threatened to toss the child from 
the windows of Braal into the Thurso. 

Again, with John of Harpidale, with the long- 
bearded Thorolf, and other roystererS, he put to 
sea in the great galley, and sailed into the Baltic, 
where they aided King Waldemar in the destruc- 
tion of the famous city of lomsberg, the strong- 
hold of the northern pirates, whom, on his return, 
the earl imitated, for he destroyed several towns 
on the shores of the Baltic, and robbed the churches 
of their holy vessels. Then the earl sought the 
aid of enchanters and wizards, and passed whole 
nights in dark caverns and pine forests, where 
Druid circles stood, hoping to see elves, demons, 
gnomes, or fairies, but sought in vain. 

He next sailed to the Isle of Rugen, where the 
Wends were still, in the twelfth century, unbaptized 
pagans, who worshipped Svantavit, the Grod of 


THE LORD OF THE VENISON. 


325 


Light, in their capital, Arcona, which is situated on 
a high rock abovo the waves of the Baltic, 

Svantavit was a monstrous idol having four 
heads; but he was consulted as an oracle, and the 
captain of every merchant ship which made a good 
voyage was compelled to pay tribute to the priests 
of his temple. 

In the hands of this idol was a cornucopia, which 
in the first month of every year was filled with 
precious wine ; by looking into what remained of 
it at Yule-tide, the chief-priest could predict peace 
or war, dearth or plenty, for the ensuing year ; and 
this absurd paganism existed in Rugen until the 
middle of the thirteenth century. Ratzo, King of 
the Isle, was a famous but aged warrior, who had 
destroyed the fiourishing city of Lubec in 1134 ; 
so to him, and to the chief-priest, the earl appealed, 
and laid at the foot of their hideous idol in Arcona 
all the plunder of the Christian churches — chal- 
ices of gold, lamps of silver, croziers studded with 
precio'js stones, and altar-cloths covered with 
embroidery. 

The priest accepted the plunder, ascended a lad- 
der, and peeped into the horn in the hands of the 
idol, where, as he averred, he could see amid the 
wine the figure of a little boy, with an earPs cor- 
onet on his head, and a sword in each hand. So 
Morrar na Shean with joy spread his purple sails 
upon the northern sea, and came home to find that 
the countess had brought into the world a third 
daughter y whom she named Thora. The earl was 
ready to expire with passion. 


326 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Let US return to Arcona ! said Tliorolf Stark- 
adder. 

^^For what purpose, fool?’’ asked tho earl, 
gruffly. 

To destroy the temple of Svantavit, hang the 
false priest, and burn his idol,” 

Nay,” said Morrar na Shean, grinding his teeth. 

I shall take other vengeance upon fate, for fate 
has conspired against me.” 

How — how ? ” asked his followers. 

“ Anon, ye shall hear ! ” 

Shall we not see?” asked Thorolf, grimly, for - 
he was a lover of mischief and cruelty. 

No,” replied Morrar, briefly, as he gnawed his 
yellow moustaches in wrath. 


CHAPTER XLIX. 

GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA SHEAN. 

One evening, when twilight was closing on the 
land and sea ; when the clouds were gathering in 
heavy masses that portended a storm, and when 
the Thurso ran hoarsely and rapidly over its stony 
bed beneath the castle wall, Harold commanded 
the countess to assume her hood and cloak, and to 
accompany him. Whither ? ” she asked, timidly, 
for his manner was strange, and he was sorely 
flushed with wine. 


GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA SHEAN. 327 

“ Whither, matters not ; but you shall learn when 
we reach the place. 

“ Do we go on foot ? ” she inquired, trembling, 
for there was a wild glare in his eyes that terrified 
her. 

Yes.’^ 

“ Alone — unattended ? 

Yes,’^ he repeated, hoarsely. 

Then the heart of the countess sank ; but she 
was compelled to obey. Her husband grasped her 
hand, and together they quitted the castle of Braal 
by a private postern at the foot of a long and 
secret stair. 

Gunhilda was silent ; she pressed her ivory cru- 
cifix to her breast with her left hand, for it was 
the parting gift of Ab salon. Archbishop of Den- 
mark ; her right was firmly grasped by her hus- 
band, and she felt that Ms hand was cold — yea, 
cold as ice ! 

She had heard of his proceedings on the shores 
of the^ Baltic, and how he had publicly worshipped 
the God of the Wends at Kugen ; her soul became 
a prey to grief and horror, and beneath her veil 
her tears flowed hot and fast. 

He led her along the banks of the Thurso for 
more than a mile, by a dark and lonely path. No 
one was near them ; the hour was late, the place 
was solitary, and the countess gazed anxiously 
about her for succor, if required ; but the pastoral 
hills were desolate. Even the sheep were in their 
folds, and there came no sound to her ear, save the 
rush of the dark and hurrying stream. 


328 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

It was a night in the pleasant month of June, 
and in that part of Scotland at this season there is 
scarcely an^ darkness, the reflection of the sun on 
the Atlantic being so distinctly visible for the brief 
time that he is below the horizon, that one may 
read the smallest print even at midnight. 

As they drew near a little chapel which stood 
upon a rock above the river, and was dedicated to 
St. Monina, the countess gathered courage, and said, 
“ Unless you say, my lord, for what purpose you 
' have brought me hither in this secret manner, and 
at this unwonted hour, I go not one step further 
with you ! ’’ 

Listen,’’ said he, drawing his long arm-pit dag- 
# ger, while a cruel and wild glare came into his 
fierce blue eyes j “ I have brought you hither to 
slay you ! ” 

Oh, my soul foreboded as much ! ” said Gun- 
hilda, in a breathless voice ; to slay me — for 
what ? What crime have I committed ? ” 

' “ None ; yet I will not have a wife who is to be 

the mother of baby-faced girls, whose husbands, if 
they get them, will rend and divide my heritage 
among them. I must have a son to heir me, as 
Earl of Caithness, Count of Orkney, Lord of Braal 
and Lochmore, and to transmit my name to future 
times ; but thou 

I am the daughter of a king 1 ” said the count- 
ess, haughtily. 

“ A king who is too far away to help you,” said 
Harold, with a mocking smile. 

But not too far away to avenge me ! ” 


GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA 8HEAN. 329 

“ Let him do so, if he will ! replied the barba- 
rous earl, as he grasped her wrists and dragged her 
shrieking, and on her knees, towards the rocks 
which overhung the stream. 

Oh ! ” she exclaimed, “ my three helpless 
daughters, — your children, — think of them with 
pity, if not with pity for me ! 

“ My daughters — name them not,’^ said he, 
hoarsely, ‘^lest I have them drowned in boiling 
water, even as Halli and Leckner were in the days 
of old !” 

“ I am not prepared to die ! ” she exclaimed, in 
a piercing voice ; “ my sins of omission are many ; 
oh, have mercy on me I ” 

Thou art better prepared than said Morrar 
na Shean. 

“ At least let me say one prayer in yonder chapel 
ere you slay me — in pity for my sins and soul, per- 
mit me this.” 

Go, then,”' said Morrar, grimly ; but return 
quickly, lest I drag you from its altar.” 

With tottering steps Gunhilda hurried into the 
little chapel ; hut ere three minutes had elapsed, 
the inexorable Morrar cried, sternly, — “ Come 
forth ! ” There was no response. 

Come forth, Gunhilda, or by the Demon of the 
Wends I will drag thee out !” 

I come — I come,” replied a voice within the 
vaulted oratory, from the arched windows of which 
a sudden light gleamed forth. 

^Tis well,” said Morrar, for my patience is 
nearly exhausted ;” and the countess, with her head 


330 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 

V 

bent, and muffled in her veil, approached him from 
the arched doorway, through which a broad and 
rosy flake of light was streaming. 

Seizing her again by the arm, he dragged her to 
the edge of the beetling rocks, where he meant to 
stab and toss her into the eddying stream, which 
was rushing in full flood towards the sea ; but, 
marvellous to relate ! as he tore the veil asunder, 
he beheld, not Ounhilda, but a strange woman 
whose face was of wondrous beauty, and whose 
head was encircled by a shining light. Then he 
knew in his heart that the spirit of St. Monina 
stood before him ! The dagger, fell from his hand ; 
he closed his eyes with awe and dismay, and when 
he looked again the figure had melted into thin air 
and disappeared. 

Appalled by this incident, he rushed away to the 
wildest part of the hills, and on being joined by 
Thorolf and John of Harpidale, he put to sea as 
usual in his galley, and departed no one knew 
whither. 

The countess was found by her attendants, in a 
deep but soft slumber, before the little altar of the 
river chapel; but immediately on her return to 
Braal, she took her three daughters, Algiva, Erica, 
and Thora, to Bishop Adam of Caithness, and 
besought him to conceal and protect them ; and 
leaving them with tears and prayers, she returned 
to the home of her terrible husband, giving out 
that the children were dead. 

Meanwhile the bishop, with all speed, despatched 
them to the court of King William the Lion, and 


GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA SHEAN. 331 

consigned the three helpless girls to the care of the 
Queen Ermengarde de Beaumont. 

The vision he had beheld on that night by the 
river Thurso long filled with terror the soul of 
Morrar na Shean ; but after a time the impression 
became fainter, and gradually he came to the con- 
clusion that the whole afiair must have been a 
dream, originating most probably in his wine- 
cup. 

He was long of returning to Braal, and solaced 
himself by ravaging Heligoland, and plundering 
several of its towns, the sites of which have long 
since been covered by the encroaching sea. He 
then visited Shetland, carrying havoc and dismay 
wherever he appeared, and returning by Orkney, 
committed a crowning act of impiety at Kirkwall. 
There was preserved there a silver bowl, in which 
St. Magnus had baptized the earliest Christians of 
the Orcades. It was of great size, curiously carved, 
and was carefully preserved in the cathedral.* 
Accompanied by his two inseparable comrades 
and mentors to mischief, he entered that stately 
Grothic church, which is one of the finest in Scotland, 
seized the great bowl, and filled it with wine, which 
he solemnly consecrated to Odin. Then, ascending 
the steps of the High Altar, he quaffed it to the 
dregs, after exclaiming, — 

“ I worship thee, Odin, ahd I am a heathen I A 
heathen will I die, if thou givest me but a son to 

* “ It so far exceeds other bowls in size,” says Buchanan in his 
“ History of Scotland,” “ that it seems to be a relic of the feasts of the 
Lapithae.” 


332 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


heir my lands, my isles, and to send down my name 
to the days of other years.” 

For these proceedings they were all excommuni- 
cated by the Bishop of Caithness, and while they 
laughed to scorn the prelate and his solemn anath- 
ema, they swore by the blades of their swords 
and the shoulders of their horses (the old oath of 
the northern ^pagans) to have a terrible revenge 
upon him. - 

•With this intention, after six years’ absence, they 
returned home, and again the great war-galley, 
with all its purple sails spread, was seen to stand 
round the rocky bluff named the Clett, and come 
to anchor in Scrabster Boads, on "the western side 
of Thurso Bay. On landing, the earl repaired 
straight to the episcopal palace, with all his follow- 
ers, “to punish,” as he said, “the bishop with 
the serpent’s tongue.” On seeing them approach, 
the old man came forth to meet them ; and on be- 
holding his serene and reverend aspect, John of 
Harpidale, Thorolf Starkadder, and other grim out- 
laws, were somewhat abashed and appalled, and 
leaned irresolutely on their drawn swords. 

“ After a six years’ absence, come you here. Lord 
Harold, instead of visiting your lady at Braal?” 
asked the bishop, with an air of surprise that was 
not unmingled with alarm. 

“The countess? — you speak not of my daugh- 
ters.” 

“ Alas ! they are here no longer,” said the bishop, 
evasively. 

“ Dead ? ” asked the earl, with a cold smile. 


GUILT AND EEMORSE OP MORRAR NA SHEAN. 333 
“ To you and all of us.’^ 

“’Tis well/^ said Harold, grinding his teeth; 
but I came not hither to speak of them ! 

Of what, then ? ” asked Bishop Adam, with 
anxiety. 

Of thyself, who hast dared to pour empty anath- 
emas on me, for merely drinking a bowl of wine 
in my own town of Kirkwall.^^ 

‘‘ Silence, thou .blasphemous lord, who desecrated' 
the altar of God by the praises of a heathen idol ! 
I think of the coming time when thou shalt die ! ” 

“ And what then ? ” asked Morrar, with a fierce 
and mocking laugh. 

“In all thy vast possessions, who shall mourn 
thee ? 

“ The greyhounds in my hall, and the birds of 
prey, for whom I have prepared many a banquet ; 
yea, the black wolf and the yellow-footed eagle too 
shall mourn for Morrar na Shean. Priest, I have 
come to punish your insolence. Seize and drag 
him forth, Thorolf Starkadder ! ” 

In a moment the mailed hands of Thorolf were 
wreathed in the white hair and reverend beard of 
the old bishop, who was roughly dragged through 
his own gate, and beaten to the earth beneath a 
shower of blows dealt by clenched hands and the 
heavy iron hilts of swords and daggers. Breath- 
lessly, and on his knees, he implored mercy, be- 
seeching them not to peril their souls by murder, 
and a sin so foul as sacrilege, by imbruing their 
hands in the blood of a priest; but the fury of 
cruelty and destruction was in their hearts. Tho- 


334 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


rolf, with his dagger, destroyed the eyesight of the 
poor old man, and John of Harpidale cut out his 
tongue. 

Then procuring the large caldron in which food 
was usually prepared for the stag-hounds of Morrar, 
they actually cast the blind and bleeding bishop 
into it, and boiled him alive.* 

On hearing of these proceedings, the Countess 
Gunhilda fled in horror to the cathedral of Kirk- 
wall, and took refuge with William, Bishop of Ork- 
ney, with whom she resided for several years, while 
her daughters, under other names than their own, 
were growing up to womanhood at the court of 
Queen Ermengarde, and while her husband, the 
Lord of the Yenison, spent his days in hunting, 
and his nights in drinking, carousing, flghting, 
and outrage, with his inseparable ruffians, John of 
Harpidale and Thorolf Starkadder. 

It was long before King William, who resided at 
the palace of Scone, heard the correct details of 
these outrages, and then his soul was fllled with 
sorrow and indignation, for he was a gentle, wise, 
and valiant king. 

He resolved to punish the wicked Earl of Caith- 
ness, and for this purpose two earls, named Boland 
and Gillechrist, were sent against him with a body 
of troops. 

Boland was the son of Uchtred, a brave Lord of 
Galloway, who had recently defeated the King of 
England at CarHsle, when preparing to invade his 

* The scene of this terrible outrage is still shown near the Manse of 
Halkirk. 


GUILT AND REMORSE OF MORRAR NA SHEAN. 335 


province; and he had become the husband of Al- 
giva, the eldest daughter of Morrar na Shean. 

Gillechrist had wedded Erica, the second daugh- 
ter. He was Earl of Angus, and from this marriage 
are descended the clan and surname of Ogilvie. 
By a singular coincidence these two peers were 
now marching against their father-in-law, with or- 
ders to subject him to the same death as that by 
which the unhappy bishop died. 

Morrar na Shean met them in a battle which was 
long and bloody, though his people were cold in 
his cause. The men whom he had di^awn from his 
county of Orkney and the town of Thurso, ulti- 
mately gave way; and four hundred were instantly 
hanged on the field. 

The castle of Braal, to which the survivors fled, 
was attacked, entered by the secret postern, and 
stormed. Therein, after a terrible conflict, were 
taken John of Harpidale and Thorolf Starkadder, 
who were put to dreadful deaths, and then the 
fortress was burned to the ground. 

It was supposed that Morrar na Shean had per- 
ished in the flames ; but he had escaped by the 
postern, — the same postern through which he had 
led the countess to die, — and reached his castle 
of Lochmore, a secluded tower of great strength, 
which is situated at the end of a loch, and over- 
hangs the current of the Dirlet out of it. There 
the river" is narrow, deep, and rapid. 

This tower was then remote and little known, 
so there for years did Morrar live, secluded, for- 
gotten, and abandoned by all ; and then, as time 


336 


THE ADVENTUEES OF ROB ROY. 


crept on, he became a prey to remorse and hor- 
ror. 

Terrific visions and appalling spectres were said 
to haunt him, and the unquiet souls of Thorolf, of 
John of Harpidale, and others who had died in his 
service, were averred to wander at night through 
the silent chambers of Lochmore, and their wail- 
ing voices were heard to rise from the lake in 
the moonshine, and to mingle with the roar of 
the Dirlet beneath the castle wall. At last no one 
would remain in such a dwelling-place, and the 
wretched Morrar na Shean was left entirely alone. 

Then a sore illness came upon him with his 
growing years ; and sick, despairing, and sad at 
heart, the earl lay on what he feared was his bed 
of death. 

None were near him now ; even the last of his 
hounds had gone to seek another, a merrier, or it 
might be kinder master ; and he wept the salt, bit- 
ter tears of age, of sorrow, and repentance ; of 
an age that was lonely and unfriended; of sorrow 
for his lost wife and children ; of repentance for 
a wasted life, and for his many unatoned-for crimes 
and sacrileges. 

He found himself abandoned on earth, and feared 
that he would be excluded from heaven. He was 
wifeless, childless, friendless, and alone — alone 
with only memory and the terrors of death and 
superstition ! 

He saw the clear, bright stars in the northern 
sky sparkling through the gloomy windows of 
Lochmore. He heard the hoarse brawl of the Dir- 


GUILT AND REMORSE OP MORRAR NA SHEAN. 337 

let beneath the castle wall ; but he shut out the 
sound, for it made him think of that terrible night 
when the swollen Thurso was rushing over its 
stony bed, and Gunhilda was saved from his dag- 
ger by the vision of St. Monina ; and again he 
seemed to see that pale, beautiful, and miraculous 
face shining amid its halo in the twilight before 
him. 

The perspiration burst upon his wrinkled brow ; 
he called wildly for lights, but no one heard him 
now ; and the echoes of his own voice appalled 
him. He trembled to be in the dark and alone ; 
and yet there was no darkness, for it was the clear 
twilight of the northern summer, when the sun 
scarcely dips beneath the horizon. 

Old, old ! childless, and alone ! ’’ moaned the 
earl, crushed beneath the weight of sad thoughts 
and unavailing sorrow, as he covered his gray head 
beneath the coverlet and sobbed heavily. 

Harold — husband,’^ said a gentle voice, that 
thrilled through him, and tremblingly he started 
and looked up. 

Lo ! in the clear light of the midsummer night, 
there stood by his bedside the Countess Gunhilda, 
as he had last seen her, so fair and stately, with 
her Danish tunic of blue silk, her flowing mantle, 
and long lace veil, that fell over her shoulders from 
under her half-diadem, the gems of which sparkled 
in the light of the stars. 

Beside her, but a little way behind, stood three 
tall and handsome girls, each of whom wore riding- 
hoods edged with pearls and long white veils, 
22 


338 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


which they held upraised, as they surveyed him 
with sad and earnest eyes. 

Believing that he saw but disembodied souls, 
the upbraiding spirits of his wife and their three 
daughters, — for midsummer night is the time when 
demons, ghosts, and fairies are all supposed to be 
abroad, — the lonely earl uttered a cry of wild 
despair and fainted. 

Yet they were no spirits whom he had seen, 
but the Countess Gunhilda and his three daugh- 
ters, who, having heard of his sad and repentant 
condition, had hastened to visit and console him, 
and arrived thus in the night. 

And with Thora, the youngest and the fairest, 
had come her husband — .for she, too, was wedded 
to William Sinclair, Lord of Roslin ; and thus from 
her descended the future Earls of Orkney, who 
were also Dukes of Oldenburg. 

On returning to consciousness Morrar na Shean 
came to a new life of joy and happiness. With 
these came a more sincere repentance. He spent 
the remaining years of his life in endeavoring to 
atone for the atrocities of his youth, and died at 
a good old age, when Alexander the Second was 
King of Scotland — passing peacefully away, while 
the faces of his children and grandchildren were 
bowed in prayer around him. 

Such is the story of Morrar na Shean, the Lord 
,of the Venison. 


THE RUINED HOUSE IN GLENSTRAE. 


339 


CHAPTER L. 

THE RUINED HOUSE IN GLENSTRAE. 

After the conclusion of his tale, Rob gave the 
harper a piece of Spanish gold, and permitted him 
to pursue his own way. The MacGregors saw him 
no more ; he was killed three years after, in the 
September of 1722, when, by some of the Mac- 
Kenzies, a party of the king’s troops under a cap- 
tain MacNeil were lured into an ambush, and so 
severely handled that they were compelled to re- 
tire to Inverness in great disorder. 

The day after Gillian left them saw the Mac- 
Gregors traversing Glenstrae, a wild and romantic 
valley which opens at the northern base of Stron- 
miolchoin, a lonely mountain that forms the eastern 
boundary of Glenorchy. 

All these were possessions of which the clan had 
been deprived ; and there every hill and rock, 
every thicket and ruin, was connected with some 
tradition of the past and of Clan Alpine. 

The glen was desolate and lonely ; for it had 
long since been swept of its peopler by the hostile 
tribes who had leagued against them. 

Seid svas do piob, vich Alpine I ” (“ Strike up 
your pipe, son of Alpine ! ”) said Rob Roy, as they 
approached a mass of ruined walls which rose on 
a gentle eminence in the glen. Here, to-day, let 


340 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


US remember the true and faithful dead, who be- 
queathed to us the task of avenging them ! ” 

Then in the still and silent valley the wild lament 
of the MacGregors rang mournfully and shrill, as 
Rob and his men, with their swords drawn, ad- 
vanced slowly to the ruins deisail-wise , — by the 
way of the sun^s course, — and marched thrice 
round them, and then departed, but with many a 
frowning glance and backward look. 

This was the ruined residence of the chief Alas- 
ter Roy of Glenstrae, before the clan had been 
broken up and suppressed. It had been destroyed 
amid the events subsequent to the battle of Glen- 
fruin. At the time at which we write a portion of 
the walls were standing ; now their foundations 
can scarcely be discerned above the blooming 
heather. 

With these old ruins is connected a tradition 
of the clan which exhibits some of the strongest 
traits of the old Highland character. 

Alaster Roy MacGregor of Glenstrae had but 
one son, a brave and handsome youth, named Evan, 
to whom he was deeply attached, and whom, as 
the future heir of all his possessions, he trained up 
with peculiar care, leaving nothing undone to make 
him perfect as a soldier and huntsman. 

One day when Evan was deerstalking among the 
mountains he met the young laird of Lamond, who, 
with two attendants, was travelling from Cowal to- 
wards the king^s castle of Inverlochy, and they 
dined together at a little inn or changehouse, near 
the Blackmount at the mouth of Glencoe. 


THE RUINED HOUSE IN GLENSTRAE. 


341 


After dinner a dispute occurred; hot words 
ensued, for both were passionate and fiery in 
spirit ; and, drawing his dirk, young Lamond killed 
Evan MacGregor by a single blow, and he^ fell 
across the table at which they had been seated. 

Horrified at what he had done, Lamond leaped 
from a window and fled, but was pursued by 
Dugald Ciar Mhor and other MacGregors, who first 
made short work with his two attendants. 

The flight and pursuit were maintained on foot ; 
and with Lamond, who knew that he would be 
instantly sacrificed if taken, fear added -wings to 
his speed, so that ultimately he outstripped the 
friends of him he had slain. 

Ignorant of whither he went, as night was clos- 
ing he found himself in a lonely glen, where at the 
base of a mountain stood a tower, at the gate of 
which he breathlessly demanded shelter, succor, 
and rest. 

On being admitted, he asked what place this was. 

“ Stronmiolchoin — the house of Glenstrae ! ” 
replied the wondering gate ward. 

^^The dwelling of Alaster Eoy?” 

,^^Yes.” 

Then I am lost — utterly lost ! exclaimed the 
unhappy Lamond, as he sank exhausted on a seat. 

Lost 1 how — what mean you ? asked the laird 
of Glenstrae, coming hurriedly forward. Who 
are you?’’ 

The son of Lamond of that Ilk.” 

By whom are you pursued, that my house 
will fail to afford you succor?” asked Glenstrae. 


342 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


I am pursued by MacGregors/^ replied the 
sinking fugitive, and I beseech you, by all the 
claims of hospitality and compassion, and by your 
authority, to save me from them.’^ 

You are safe,^^ said Alaster, kissing the blade 
of his dirk ; but what have you done — whom 
have you slain ? 

‘^Whom?” reiterated Lamond, in a hollow 
voice. 

“ Yes ; there is blood upon your hands, and on 
the hilt of your dirk.” 

“ Alas I ” said Lamond, and paused. 

Speak ! for you are safe in the house of Glen- 
strae, whatever you have done,” said the chief, 
impetuously; but the unhappy fugitive clasped 
his hands, for a din of voices rang at the tower 
gate, and Dugald Ciar Mhor, with other pursuers, 
came rushing in, bearing with them the body of 
Evan, and after informing the unfortunate father of 
what had occurred, they loudly demanded that the 
assassin should be surrendered unto them. 

I have passed my word to protect him, and I 
must respect it, even in this moment of agony ! ” 
replied Glenstrae, while the tears rolled over his 
face ; “ never shall it be said that a MacGregor 
broke his word, even to an enemy ! ” 

In their rage and sorrow for what had occurred, 
his wife and daughter besought him to yield the 
fugitive to the clansmen, that they might put him 
to ifveath; but Glenstrae stood over him with his 
sword dnawn, and said, — 

“ Let no rman here dare to lay a hand upon him ! 


THE RUINED HOUSE IN GLENSTRAE. 


343 


MacG-regor has promised him safety, and by the 
soul of my only and beloved son, whom he has 
slain, he shall be safe while under the roof of Glen- 
strae — safe as if beneath his own ! ’’ 

And before the interment of Evan, when the 
sorrow and the angry passions of the assembled 
clan would be roused to their full height, the chief, 
with a chosen party, escorted young Lamond far 
across the mountains, and almost to within sight 
of his home in Cowal. 

“ Farewell, Lamond,’’ said he, gravely and 
sternly; ‘^on your own land you are now safe. 
Farther I will not and cannot protect you. Avoid 
my people, lest your father may have to endure the 
sorrow that wrings this heart of mine ; and may 
God forgive you the woe you have brought on the 
house of Glenstrae I ” 

In a few years after this, the Field of Glenfruin 
was fought ; the castle of Stronmiolchoin was de- 
stroyed, and Alaster of Glenstrae, then an aged 
man, and all his people, were proscribed fugitives. 

Homeless, nameless, and a wanderer, with the 
severe parliamentary acts of James VI. hanging 
over his head, the laird of Glenstrae had to lurk 
in the caves and woods among the glens that had 
once been his own, till he was captured- by Sir 
James Campbell of Ardkinlass, from whom he 
made an escape, and fled to Cowal, a peninsula 
of Argyle, that stretches far into the Firth of 
Clyde. 

Here the young laird of Lamond found the poor 
old man, and received and protected him in his 


344 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


house, with many other fugitives of the Clan Gregor, 
saving them from Archibald Earl of Argyle and 
other powerful enemies. 

To the earl, Glenstrae at last yielded himself, on 
the solemn promise that he should be sent out of 
Scottish ground - — a promise which was truly but 
fearfully kept ! 

He was marched as far as the English.side of 
Berwick, under an escort of the Scottish Horse 
Guard, commanded by David Murray, Lord Scone, 
and then brought back to Edinburgh, where, with 
eighteen devoted men of his surname, he was 
hanged on the 20th of January, 1604. 

Being a chief,’^ says Birrel, “ he was hanged 
his own height above the rest of his friends.^’ 

It was the memory of severities such as these, 
together with their local position, that fostered a 
spirit of resentment and ferocious resistance to 
all civil law in the tribe of MacGregor. 

When I asked a very learned minister in the 
Highlands,’^ says Dr. Johnson, which he con- 
sidered the most savage clans, those, said he, which 
live next the Lowlands^ 

This was the mere force of circumstances and 
position ; and hence the most warlike and preda- 
tory of the Lowland clans were those of the borders 
adjoining England. 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA. 


345 


CHAPTER LI. 

HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA. 

“ Rob Roy had two especial qualities/’ says 
the New Picture of Scotland ” (published in 
1807) : “ he spent his revenue generously, and was 
a true friend to the widow and the orphan.” 

On his return to Portnellan, he now hoped that, 
by the treasure which he had judiciously distrib- 
uted among his people, they might, if the perse- 
cution of them ceased, stock their little farms and 
take to cattle-dealing, that they might all live in 
ease and comfort, and that his sons might learn 
some of the arts of peace without forgetting those 
of war. 

Soon after his return from Glensheil, Rob heard 
that Grahame of Killearn, who always treated the 
tenantry of Montrose with great severity, had 
sequestrated, or distrained, the cows and furniture 
of a poor widow who lived near the Highland 
border. 

As she was a widow, and more especially as she 
was the widow of Eoin Raibach, who had fallen at 
.the storming of Inversnaid, he immediately visited 
her cottage, and she burst into tears when she be- 
held him, exclaiming, — 

“ MacGregor, mo comraich ort !” (my protection 
is thee.) 


346 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


‘‘ And never was that appeal made to me in vain 
by the poor,” replied Rob ; I shall be your buckler 
and your sword of vengeance if requisite, widow. 
How much do you owe Killearn ? ” 

Three hundred marks ; for which he has seized 
upon my two cows, the food of my children, — my 
spinning-wheel, which gives them clothing, — our 
beds and everything.” 

“ When comes he here ? ” asked Rob, grimly. 

‘‘ To-morrow ; to-morrow will see us desolate and 
forlorn.” 

‘‘ Not so, widow. Here are the three hundred 
marks ; pay the greedy vulture, and be sure that 
you get a receipt duly signed.” 

Duly as the morrow came the legal messengers 
of Killearn arrived, with carts to convey away-.the 
chattels of the widow, who paid them, and received 
a receipt ; but about a mile distant from her house, 
they were met by Rob Roy, who, with a cocked 
pistol in his hand, forced them to hand over the 
money to him. He then gave them a severe beat- 
ing with a heavy stick, advised them to choose 
another trade than the law, and returned the three 
hundred marks to the widow. 

We are told that, under circumstances nearly 
similar, he relieved a tenant on the Montrose lands 
who was three years in arrear of rent. When the 
poor farmer offered to repay Rob’s loan, the latter 
replied, — 

^^No, no; I will get it back from Grahame of 
Killearn — yes, every farthing, by Patrick of the 
Holy Crook ! so keep the money, farmer.” 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA. 


347 


MacGrregor now leased some pasture-lands fur- 
ther among the mountains, in that place with which 
his name is much associated, the braes of Balqu- 
hidder, a name which signifies the dwelling-place 
where' five glens open. 

He occupied the farm-house of Inverlochluvig, at 
the head of the braes, where there was excellent 
pasture for black-cattle and sheep ; and there was 
born, in 1724, his youngest son, Robin Oig, whose 
stirring story and sad fate created a deep interest in 
future years. 

Like all his brothers, Woung Robin was baptized 
in water brought by Paul Crubach from the holy 
well of St. Fillan, and during the ceremony was 
held over his father^s broadsword, for it was a High- 
land superstition that the voices of children who 
died without receiving this warlike consecration 
were heard faintly wailing in the woods and other 
lonely places at night. 

Robin grew a sturdy but wild young Highlander ; 
and afterwards bore that sword with honor in the 
ranks of the 42d Regiment. 

At Muirlaggan, in Balquhidder, Rob built a com- 
fortable house for his mother, then a very aged 
woman ; and he began to hope that the government 
troops, the civil authorities, Athole, Montrose, and 
Killearn, had forgotten him, and that he would be 
permitted to spend a few years of his life in peace; 
but he hoped in vain ! 

To the land he now leased or occupied in Balqu- 
hidder he had an hereditary claim, as a descendant 
of Dugald Ciar Mhor ; but the MacLarens of Inver- 


348 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


nentie had some similar right, and ere long this 
proved the cause of much strife and bloodshed. 

With great generosity Eob ojffered a portion of 
his share of the Spanish treasure to redeem another 
bond which a neighboring proprietor held over the 
lands of his nephew, MacGregor of Glengyle. 

Hamish MacLaren of Invernentie had lent a sum 
of money to Glengyle, and by the tenor of the bond 
the lands so held, or named therein, “if the money 
was not repaid within ten years, were to be forfeited 
to the lender, though the sum was less than half 
their value.’^ 

Knowing well that the utmost advantage would 
be taken of this unjust contract, Rob Roy gave his 
nephew money sufficient to repay Invernentie. 

As the bond had but a few months now to run, 
Glengyle, with gratitude and joy, hastened to his 
creditor and offered the money so generously lent 
by his uncle. 

Hamish MacLaren was a man of rough and for- 
bidding exterior, with a low forehead and black 
eyebrows that were thick, shaggy, and joined in 
one. His face was one of the lowest of the Celtic 
type, and consequently expressed intense cunning, 
falsehood, and cruelty. He received Glengyle 
coldly — all the more so, perhaps, because he was a 
near kinsman of that MacLaren whom MacAleister 
had flung into 1;he miU-race at Comar. 

“ I cannot take the money,’^ said he, bluntly. 

“ How — wherefore ? ” asked the other, with sur- 
prise. 

“ Because I cannot find our bond.’^ 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA. 


349 


It must and shall be found ! ” said Glengjle, 
impetuously. 

Must and shall I ” 

Yes ; there are but three months to run.’^ 

Only three months ? ’’ repeated the other, with 
affected surprise. ^ 

Yes — we have no time to lose.” 

' ‘‘ After the date at which the bond expires your 
lands will be forfeited to me.” 

“ How can you prove that if the bond be lost ? ” 
Ha, ha ! it is recorded in the books of the 
sheriff of the county. My friend Killearn looked 
to that.” 

Here is your money — principal and interest,” 
said Glengyle, crimsoned with f\iry ; “ bond or no 
bond, take it and give me a receipt in full, or woe 
unto you, Invernentie ! ” 

But MacLaren was too wary either to accede or 
to lose his temper. By an exertion of cunning 
and flattery, he contrived to cajole Glengyle, who 
promised to wait until the actual bond could be 
found ; and for the three following months MacLaren 
kept sedulously out of his way, avoiding all visits 
and receiving all messages and letters with studied 
silence; and on the very day on which the stated 
time ‘expired he took legal means to get himself 
infe/t in the lands which he alleged to be forfeited. 
At the same time, through Grahame of Killearn, he 
served notices upon young MacGregor to remove 
from these lands, with his family, tenants, and cattle, 
within eight days. 

These proceedings were rendered darker by the 


350 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


circumstance that Glengyle was laboring under a 
severe illness, which made him totally incapable of 
defending himself. 

Eob Eoy was filled with rage on hearing of these 
lawless proceedings against his nephew ; for to him 
they seem^l but a repetition of those severities to 
which he had been subjected by Montrose. 

Greumoch,’’ said he, we cannot suffer Glen- 
gyle to be treated thus ; get our lads together, and 
we shall teach Invernentie a lesson he is not likely 
to forget.’^ 

The lads were soon collected, and at the head of 
two hundred of them Rob marched into Strathfillan, 
whither, he heard, MacLaren of Invernentie had 
gone to attend a fair which is usually held there on 
the 3d of July. 

He traversed the vast extent of the fair, — for 
the strath was covered with great herds of cattle, 
— searching in vain for Invernentie, until he ascer- 
tained that, having sold all his stock, he had taken 
his way homeward through Glendochart. 

In those days ' nothing was paid for pasturing 
cattle ; but as roads were made, fields enclosed, and 
grass became valuable, the armed drovers were 
forced to bargain for it in their routes to those 
fairs, and more especially to Falkirk and Carlisle — 
innovations which they bitterly hated. 

A rapid march over the hills brought* Eob and 
his men upon the homeward path, at a point where 
it is joined by the road from Tyndrum, some time 
before Invernentie could possibly have passed. 
Eob was assured of this, and ere long he saw a 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIED OP BARRA. 


351 


party of armed men, some of whom were mounted, 
coming along that beautiful valley which the Do- 
chart traverses in its course to the Tay. 

That the men on foot were well equipped was 
evident, for the long barrels of their Spanish mus- 
kets glittered in the sunshine, which streamed 
athwart the winding valley, bathing in gold and 
purple light the hills on one side, and casting into 
deep-blue shadow those on the other. 

The travellers, who weue about twenty in num- 
ber, on seeing the MacGregors posted on the high- 
way, began to prepare for service, by loading their 
muskets ; the footmen unslung their targets ; the 
horsemen loosened their swords in the sheaths, and 
looked to the priming of their pistols, as they all 
came briskly up 5 and on Rob Roy stepping forward 
to meet them, he found among the mounted nien 
the identical laird of Invernentie whom he sought, 
with Campbell of Aberuchail, Stirling of Carden, 
and another gentleman whom he did not recognize, 
but who was followed closely by several well-armed 
gillies on foot. 

. What does this meeting bode, MacQ-regor ? 
asked the baronet of Aberuchail; peace or war? 

That is as may be,^^ replied Rob ; “ my present 
business is with Hamish MacLaren, of Invernentie.^^ 
The latter smiled grimly, and under his black 
brows his keen, fierce, hazel eyes glared forth like 
those of a polecat, as he said, — 

You must first speak with one who has travelled 
a long way to see you, and who,- moreover, is a 
friend of mine.’^ 


352 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


A bad recommendation ; but to whom do you 
refer ? ’’ asked MacGregor. 

^‘He refers to me/’ said the s'trange traveller. 

I have indeed come a long way to see you, Mac- 
Gregor, and we meet most opportunely.” 

Rob surveyed the speaker with some surprise 
He was a man of great stature and apparent 
strength, handsome, athletic, and in the prime of 
life. His sword, pistols, dirk, and powder-horn 
were richly ornamented, with silver ; he had three 
feathers in his bonnet, indicating that he was a. 
chief ; but MacGregor recognized neither his badge 
nor his tartan. 

And who may you be, sir, that have been so 
desirous to see mp ? ” he asked, haughtily. 

I am Roderick MacNeil of Barra,” replied the 
other, on which Rob saluted him by uncovering his 
head ; for the MacNeils of Barra were an old family 
in the Western Isles, famous for their antiquity, — 
which dated back to the days of the first Scottish 
settlers, — for their valor, and for their vanity ; thus 
one of them, named Rory the Turbulent, who lived 
in the days of James YI., in the vastness of his 
Highland bombast, had a herald who proclaimed, in 
Gaelic, daily, from the summit of his castle, — 

Hear ye people, and listen all ye nations ! Mac* 
Neil of Barra having finished his dinner, all the 
kings and princes of the earth have liberty to 
dine.” 

The chief who now confronted Rob Roy was 
considered one,of the best swordsmen in Scotland; 
and certainly he was the first in his native Hebri- 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OF BARRA. 353 

des. He was possessed of a high spirit, with a ro- 
mantic love of adventure. He had heard of Rob 
Roy’s skill in the use of his weapons and his re- 
nown in arms ; so he determined with his own 
hands to put his skill and valor to the test. 

^^And so,” said he, while surveying him from 
head to foot, “ you are Rob Roy MacGregor, whom 
I have so long wished to meet.” 

For what purpose ? ” asked the other, haughtily ; 

I never saw you before, MacNeil, and, by your 
bearing, I care little if I never see you again.” 

I have heard much of your fame, MacGregor, 
and I have come hither — I, Roderick MacNeil of 
Barra — to prove myself a better swordsman than 
you ! ” 

At these words he leaped from his horse, tossed 
the bridle to one of his gillies, and drew his sword 
and dirk. 

“ Roderick MacNeil,” said Rob, calmly, I have 
no doubt of your being what you assert — the- Chief 
of Barra, and of a noble gmd ancient lineage ; a 
better swordsman, and it may be a better man, than 
I ; but I have no wish to prove it. My business is 
with Invernentie here, and I never fight a man 
without a reason. With you I have no quarrel ; 
so keep your sword for the service of Scotland and 
her king.” 

I do so keep my sword ; but you must fight me, 
nevertheless,” said the other, imperiously. 

Fie, sir ! ” replied Rob, whose temper was ris- 
ing ; this is a bad trade you have taken to.” 

Trade ? ” 


23 


354 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Dioul, yes ! — molesting honest people on the 
open highway.’^ 

Truly the taunt comes well from you — yoUj 
who have kept the whole Highland border in hot 
water since Dundee fell at Rin Ruari ! 

On the face of MacLaren of Invernentie there 
was a malicious smile, which compelled Rob to 
seem calm ; for he feared that if he fell in this im- 
pending conflict, his nephew’s interest would infal- 
libly suffer by the wiles and roguery of Invernentie 
and Killearn, especially if aided by the bad influ- 
ence of Athole and Montrose. 

Barra,” said he, I never draw my sword with- 
out a just cause of quarrel. Go your way in peace, 
and leave me to pursue mine.” 

Then Barra is recorded to have taunted him by 
saying,— 

‘‘You are afraid — your valor is in wordsP 

“ You shall have more than words,” replied Mac- 
Gregol*, furiously, as he unsheathed his sword. 
“ You have come a lofig way to see me, and shall 
not go back without having done a portion of your 
errand. My hand is strong.” 

“ And my sword sharp and* sure.” 

“ Neither sharper nor surer than mine, Barra,” 
replied Rob Roy. 

“ That we shall see, MacGregor Campbell.” 

And deeply shall you feelf said Rob, more than 
ever enraged at being named Campbell. “ Greu- 
moch,” he added, “ stand by the side of Invernentie, 
and if he attempts either escape or foul play, slice 


HE FIGHTS THE LAIRD OP BARRA. 


355 


him down with your axe. And now, Barra, have 
at you ! 

While all who were on the pathway which trav- 
ersed the ’glen assembled in a large and excited 
circle around them, the two combatants engaged 
with great fury, and not a sound was heard but the 
clash of their blades and their deep breathing.' 
Both were brave to the utmost, and both were 
equally skilled in the use of their weapons ; but 
while sentiments of mere family pride and military 
bravado animated Barra, MacGregor was inspired 
by just iiidignation at being thus baited and mo- 
lested by a total stranger, and forced into an unex- 
pected duel, at a time so critical to the interests of 
his household and his nephew, who by illness was 
unable to protect himself. 

Both were so exceedingly well matched in 
strength and skill, that for more than twenty min- 
utes neither had in any way the advantage of the 
other, till Barra made a feint, and then a fierce 
thrust at Rob’s bare throat ; but he parried it 
by a circular whirl of his claymore, which nearly 
wrenched the other’s weapon away. 

During a second thrust Rob caught the blade of 
Barra in the iron loops of his basket-hilt, but being 
a younger man/ the latter bounded agilely back, 
and released his sword in time to save it, ere Rob 
could snap the blade, or lock in and use his dirk. 

After a time Barra’s sword shook in his hand, 
and bent — it was soon full of deep notches ; and 
fatigue rendered his arm weary. He was com- 
pelled to give ground step by step, till at last Mac- 


356 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Gregor tossed aside his shield, and, throwing all 
his strength into one tremendous double-handed 
stroke, beat down his guard, snapped his blade 
like a withered reed, and gave him a wound so 
severe that he nearly cut off his sword-arm, 
which confined him to the village of Kill earn for 
•three months.” ^ 

When next we meet,” cried Barra, as he fell 
into the arms of Stirling of Carden, our parting 
shall he different 

But, fortunately, they never chanced to meet 
again. , ^ 


CHAPTER LII. 

INVERNENTIE PUNISHED. 

Great was the exultation of the MacGregors, 
and with wild halloos of triumph they crowded 
about their leader, who, with his characteristic 
generosity, was one of the first to proffer assist- 
ance to the wounded chief. 

As the parties separated, Invernentie was whip- 
ping up his Highland garron, preparatory to taking 
a speedy leave, Avhen Greumoch inserted the hook 
of his Lochaber axe in the collar of his coat, and 
roughly tumbled him on the roadway. 

Enraged by such treatment, MacLaren drew his 
dirk, and was rushing on his captor, when the lat- 
ter charged the pike-head of the axe full at his 


INVERNENTIE PUNISHED. 


357 


breast, and would have killed him without mercy, 
but for the interference of Campbell of Aberuchail, 
and Eob Eoy, who desired his followers to seize 
and convey him to a small inn which stood at the 
head of the strath ; and there, as night was clos- 
ing, MacLaren found himself abandoned by his 
companions, helpless, and a prisoner of the easily 
exasperated MacGregors, all somewhat excitable 
Celts, — 

whose patience* 

Was apt to wear out on trifling occasions. 

Hamish MacLaren, a dark, fierce, and resolute 
fellow, asked Eob Eoy, sternly, for what purpose 
he had been separated from his friends, disarmed, 
and brought as a prisoner to this solitary house.” 

Because, in the first place,” said Eob, calmly, 
I wish to speak with you *. and, in the second 
place, to punish you if you do not take my advice.” 

In what matter — dioul ! — in what matter ? ” 
demanded MacLaren, knitting his black brows till 
his gleaming eyes were almost hidden by them. 

The matter of the bond ” 

“Which I hold over the lands of Grahame of 
Glengyle ? ” 

“ No ; I know nothing of that document,” re- 
plied Eob, twirling one of his pistols ominously 
round his forefinger by the trigger guard. 

“ Then to what do you refer ? ” 

“ To the bond which you allege to hold over the 
lands of my sick nephew, Gregor MacGregor of 
Glengyle.” 


358 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


^‘Well — well?’’ 

^^Hamish MacLaren of Invernentie/’ said Rob, 
making a great effort to appear calm, I have here 
the money to release this bond.” 

But I decline it — the time has expired,^’ said 
MacLaren, doggedly. 

^‘It may have expired nowj'' said Rob Roy; 
^^but it had not expired when, more than three 
months ago, Glengyle offered you the money, prin 
cipal and interest.” 

I told him ” 

A falsehood — a black lie, Invernentie I You 
told him the bond was lost, when it was, and still 
is, in your charter-box ; and now I swear, by the 
Gray Stone of MacGregor, that until you produce 
that bond, we part not company,' in life at least ! ” 

MacLaren’s breast swelled with rage and spite. 
His face grew ashy white, and the veins of his 
forehead were swollen like whip-cord, with the 
baffled avarice and passion he strove in vain to 
conceal. 

Allow me to return to Invernentie,” said he, in 
a husky voice and with averted eyes, and I shall 
send hither the bond, if I can find it.” 

Nay, we part not company until it is produced 
here ; and if that fails to be done, you shall go back 
to Invernentie heels foremost.” 

How mean you ? ” 

In your coffln,” replied MacGregor, with a dark 
and terrible frown. 

Aware that he had to deal with one who did not 
stand on trifles, MacLaren, apprehensive for the 


INVERNENTIE PUNISHED. 


359 


result, agreed that two of his servants (who had 
ventured to the inn), accompanied by Coll and 
Greumoch, should go to the house of Invernentie 
and get the bond, while he remained as Eob’s host- " 
age in Strathfillan. 

They were absent some time, as Invernentie 
(which means the conflux of dark waters) was 
several miles distant ; but on the evening of the 
second day they returned with the bond, and placed 
it in the hands of MacLaren, who, without opening 
it, tossed it across the table to Eob Eoy, saying, 
sullenly, — ^ 

Here is your precious document, and now let 
me be gone.’^ 

Not quite so fast — tarry, I pray you,” said 
Eob, as he read over the paper, examined it in 
every particular, tore it into minute fragments, 
and scattered them over the clay floor of the 
room. 

Now,” he added, “ here is the money of Glen- 
gyle.” 

“ I shall record the discharge of the debt in the 
books of the sheriff,” said MacLaren, rising, and 
putting on his bonnet.” 

You and the sheriff may do exactly as you 
please,” said Eob ; in fact you have my full per- 
mission to hang yourselves, if it suits your fancy ; 
but, in the mean time, give me a discharge in. full 
for the money which you lent my nephew, Gregor 
MacGregor of Glengyle.” 

Invernentie, who had some other roguish scheme 
in his head, most unwillingly wrote and signed the 


360 


THE ADVENTUEES OP ROB ROY. 


required quittance, which Rob carefully read, 
folded, and put in his pocket, together with the hag 
of money, telling him that now he would not pay 
him a farthing — that the sum lost was too small 
a fine for the outrage he had attempted to perpe- 
trate in form of law, and that he might be thankful 
that he escaped with a sound skin.’^ 

They separated. MacLaren was choking with 
resentment, and vowed to have a terrible revenge ; 
but Rob and his men merely laughed at him, as 
^they marched off towards their new home on the 
braes of Balquhidder. « 


CHAPTER LIII. 

' AT^iCKED BY THE DUKE OF ATHOLE. 

Rob, having retired further northwest, was living 
in comparative peace and ease at Balquhidder, 
though ever armed, watchful, and on the alert; but 
now his old and wanton enemy, the Duke of Athole, 
— an enemy despite the cavalier sentiments of 
Tullibardine and his other sons, and the sympathies 
of the gentle Duchess Katherine, — during the 
middle of 1724, made no less than three vigorous 
attempts to capture him, for he was still outlawed, 
and the warrants for his apprehension were yet in 
full force against him, with ample rewards for those 
who could achieve this hitherto perilous and diffi- 


ATTACKED BY THE DUKE OF ATHOLE. 361 


cult task. Of Athole’s final attempts we shall 
briefly relate the success. 

In retaliation for the trick so basely played him 
at the castle of Blair, Rob had certainly more than 
once ravaged the estates of the Duke of Athole, 
carried off the cattle, and put to the sword several 
Drummonds who resisted. 

Though he had drawn these reprisals on himself, 
Athole could as little forgive such proceedings as 
his Grace of Montrose ; and on his return from a 
visit to London, he secretly despatched a party of 
Lord Polworth's Light Horse up the glens to Bal- 
quhidder, at a time when most of the MacGregors 
were absent at fairs, or on the mountains herding 
cattle. 

MacLaren of Invernentie is said to have given 
them exact information of Rob’s movements, for 
they came upon him most unexpectedly, during 
a fine summer evening, when he was superintend- 
ing a few of his people, who were cutting turf with 
the ceabaj a lortg, narrow spade of peculiar form, 
used by the Highlanders and Irish. Suddenly 
there was a cry of — 

The Redeoats ! the Redcoats ! ” and the women 
threw down their keallochs, or creels, as a party of 
troopers, on light active horses, dashed round the 
shoulder of a rocky ridge, and came pellmell among 
them, with swords flashing in the sunshine. 

Rob had only three men with him, and, save their 
dirks, each was arm_ed only with a turf-spade. 
While he swung one of these implements aloft, to 
use it like a pole-axe, resolved on making a desper- 


362 THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 

ate defence, its'*shaft was shattered in his hand, as 
a trooper adroitly broke it by a pistol-shot, and 
then spurred his horse right over him. 

Eob lost his dirk, but plunged his skene-dhu 
deep into the bowels of the animal, which reared 
wildly and threw his rider head downward into the 
soft bog, where his spurred jack-boots stood upper- 
most in the air. 

Beaten down again under a shower of sword- 
blades and clubbed carbines, MacGregor was made 
prisoner. He was then mounted on a horse and 
carried off, amid the yells, screams, and lamenta- 
tions of the women. He was threatened with 
instant death if he attempted to resist or escape ; 
and, fortunately, on this occasion, they were with- 
out a rope to bind him ; but the officer in com- 
mand, an Irish captain, held a cocked pistol in his 
right hand, and rode by the side of the prisoner. 

“ Remember,’^ said he, that your head may be 
more easily carried than your body, if you prove 
troublesome. Forward, — away for Stirling, — away 
at full speed ! were the orders ; and the Light 
Horse disappeared with MacGregor, while the turf- 
cutters flew to arms and to muster others for 
rescue and revenge. 

This, however, was unnecessary ; for, when pass- 
ing through a ^len or ravine which lies between 
the church of Balquhidder and Glendochart, at a 
place where, on the side of the former, the ground 
is steep and rugged, but on the latter has a long 
and gradual slope towards the Hochart, Eob sud- 
denly wrenched away the Irishman’s pistol, which 


ATTACKED BY THE DUKE OF ATHOLE. 363 


exploded in the air, and slipping over his horse^s 
crupper, sprang up the rOcks, where not a single 
trooper could follow him. 

Enraged by the sudden escape of his prisoner, 
the officer spurred his horse till the steel rowels 
tore the flesh ; it bounded madly upward against 
the rocks, and fell back upon its haunches, half- 
stunning its rider ; and to this day the place bears 
the name of Shiam an Erinich^ or the Irishman’s 
Leap.” 

A few days after this, Rob escaped again by 
mere coolness and presence of mind, when in 
Glenalmond he encountered the same party of 
Pol worth’s Light Horse, who instantly knew, and 
greeted him with a shout ; while some drew their 
swords, others loaded their carbines, and all spurred 
their horses on. Rob was quite alone ; he had 
been separated from his eldest son and followers, 
with twenty of whom he had been purchasing cat- 
tle at a neighboring fair. 

No succor was near. The place'of this rencontre 
is a savage and solitary pass, overlooked by hills 
about fourteen hundred feet in height, the steep 
sides being pressed so close together as barely to 
leave space at the bottom- for a narrow path, and 
the brawling river’s bed. On their sides some 
meagre shrubs sprout from the fissured rocks, 
beneath the .shadow of which the Almond looks 
sombre, dark, and inky, save when churned into 
brown foam, as it thunders over a linn, or chafes 
on the obstructing boulders. 

At the upper end of this lonely pass stands a 


364 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


gray and time-worn block of stone, eight feet in 
height, which marks the grave of the Scottish 
Homer — Ossian, the son of Fingal. 

In the wildest and narrowest path of this moun- 
tain gorge, Eob suddenly found himself confronted, 
about nightfall, by the same Irish captain and his 
party of horse. In an angle of the narrow way, 
where an overhanging rock protected him on one 
side, and the deep river’s bed on the other, he 
stood facing them, sword in hand, and covered by 
his round shield ; thus the troopers could see noth- 
ing beyond him. 

Asionly one at a time could attack him, the lead- 
ing trooper was somewhat impressed by the reso- 
lute expression of his well-bearded face, his stature, 
and firm posture of defence. 

I know whom you seek,” -said he,, sternly ; but 
I swear that if you do not instantly depart, not one 
of you shall return alive ! In less than half an 
hour my men will have possession of the bridge of 
Buchanty, and your retreat will be cut off.” 

On hearing this, the soldiers began to rein back 
their horses. 

Retire in time,” resumed MacGregor, and tell 
him who sent you that, if any more of his pigmy 
race come hither, by the bones of our dead, I will 
hang them up to feed the eagles ! ” 

He then placed his horn to his mouth, and blew 
a loud and ringing blast, to which hill and river 
echoed. 

On this, believing that the whole clan were con- 
cealed among the rocks, from whence a fire would 


ATTACKED BY THE DUKE OP ATHOLE. 365 

be opened upon them, the troopers, seized by a 
panic, wheeled round their horses and retired at 
lull gallop, while Rob ascended the cliffs, and lei- 
surely pursued his way in another direction. 

The government, in despair, perhaps, were now 
ceasing to molest Rob Roy, and the last time troops 
were sent against him was the sudden despatch of 
a strong force of infantry from the castle of Stirling, 
under Colonel Grahame. 

This party were seen on their march to Callen- 
der by some MacGregors, who were driving a herd 
of cattle along the banks of the Forth, so Rob was 
immediately apprised of the unwelcome visitors. 
In ,an hour, the whole fighting men of the braes of 
Balquhidder were in arms, and had scouts posted 
at every pass and avenue ; but, as Rob had no 
wish to subject his people to severity on his own 
account, — for it was he alone whom Grahame had 
orders to capture, — he retired further off into the 
mountains, a precaution he would not have adopted 
in his younger and more fiery years. 

The soldiers met with every opposition, and fre- 
quently with bloody resistance from the MacGreg- 
ors ; and they had a four days’ fruitless search, 
toiling, with knapsacks and accoutrements, cocked 
hats, pipe-clayed breeches, and long gaiters, up 
steep mountains, down ravines, where they floun- 
dered and sunk knee-deep among wet heather, fern, 
and rushes ; stumbling over precipices, and always 
misled by the guides, who took the bribes of -the 
officers, and then vanished into the mist or a 
thicket, leaving them, to shift for themselves, till 


366 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


the evening of the fourth day found Colonel Gra- 
hame and his detachment, starving, weary, and 
worn, occupying a deserted house on the verge of 
the Lowlands, near the hills of Buchanan. 

The rain was falling in torrents, and no sentinels 
were posted without; so there Rob came upon them 
in the night, and, by throwing in combustibles, set 
the house on fire about their ears. 

This immediately dislodged the enemy. As they 
rushed forth in disorder and dismay, many were se- 
verely injured by bruises and by tha explosion of 
the ammunition in their pouches. Many lost their 
weapons, and one man was killed by the acci- 
dental discharge of a musket. The military, thus 
thrown into confusion, broken down by fatigue, 
and almost famished by want of provisions, with- 
drew from the country of the MacGregors, happy 
that they had escaped so well.^’ 

This was — as we have stated — the last encounter 
of Rob Roy with the forces of the government. 


THE FIXAL ATTEMPT OF ATHOLE. 


367 


CHAPTER LIV. 

THE FINAL ATTEMPT OP ATHOLE. 

It was the Lammas now of 1724, when the gool 
or wild marigold began to make its appearance 
among the little corn patches on the snnny side of 
the Highland hills ; and in this month the mother 
of Rob Roy (a daughter of the house of Glenfal- 
loch), then in extreme old age, being nearly a cen- 
tury old, expired at Muirlaggan, the house which 
he had built for her. 

Though her passing away had been long ex- 
pected, her death was accompanied by the omens 
and mysterious warnings then and still so univer- 
sally believed in among the Highlanders. Rob’s 
gray stag-hounds howled mournfully the livelong 
night, a sure sign that they had seen what the 
eyes of men could not — the shadow of Death enter 
the house of Muirlaggan ; and Paul Orubach, now 
aged, half-blind, and bent with years, averred that 
on last Midsummer-eve he had beheld her figure 
pass before him into the churchyard of Balquhid- 
der with- a shroud high upon her breast, a certain 
token that her death was close at hand. 

On the day preceding the funeral, and before 
the clan, tenants, and gillies assembled to drink the 
dredgie, he aanae close to the chair of Rob, who was 
seated at a window, full of thought. 


368 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


“ Paul, you have been absent some days,’’ said 
Rob kindly to the old man; and at your years — ” 
“ I have been on Inchcailloch, and there I spent 
three nights,” said he, with unusual solemnity. 

Three dreary nights they must have been,” 
said Rob, with a sad smile ; a ruined church for 
shelter, and the graves of the dead below you.” 

But I slept thereon, knowing that the dead 
would give me counsel just and true ; and in my 
dreams there appeared unto me twice one whom I 
knew to be Dugald Ciar Mhor.” 

‘‘ How knew you this ? ” 

“ By his mouse-colored hair and beard, and he 

told me — told me ” » 

^^What — what?” asked Rob, impatiently; ‘^oh, 
Paul — Paul — Dugald lies in his grave in Grlen- 
lyon.” 

It matters not — he told us to beware o/Athole!” 
“ Paul, is not this mockery, and at such a time ? 
Beware of Athole ? We have done little else for 
these twenty years past.” 

Above the graves of the dead we get counsel 
just and tru-e,” repeated poor, old, half-witted Paul, 
ignorant that, sixteen centuries before, Pomponius 
Mela recorded a similar idea. 

The escapes of Rob had been so numerous and 
so desperate that they became a byword, — a 
joke in the Highlands, where the people were wont 
to say, “ You might as well attempt to say MacNab 
thrice with your mouth shut as attempt to catch 
Rob Roy ; ” and believing himself to be singularly 
favored by fortune in that matter, he paid but little 


THE FINAL ATTEMPT OF ATHOLE. 


369 


attention to the warning of Panl till about sunset, 
when his son Ronald came running in bareheaded 
and breathless from a cattle-fold to announce that a 
party of soldiers were rapidly approaching the 
house ! 

The natural grief which Rob was enduring for 
the death of his mother turned into exasperation. 
He now kept fewer men about him than had been 
his wont in other times, and it chanced that, though 
some hundreds would muster fqr the funeral on the 
morrow, there were not ten in the house at this 
desperate crisis ! 

He buckled on his sword, thrust his loaded pis- 
tols in his belt, threw his target on his arm, kissed 
^ Helen and the babe Robin at her breast, and was 
rushing from the house to seek shelter on the hills, 
when the Duke of Athole, with two hundred^and 
fifty of his tenantry, all mounted and armed with 
sword, pistol, and musketoon, drew up before the 
door. 

Keeping his hand on his sword, Rob saluted the 
duke, saying, with that suave irony which a Higlv 
lander can so well assume, — 

I am obliged to your grace for coming unasked 
with such a goodly company to attend my mother’s 
funeral. Glenfalloch and Breadalbane will alike 
deem it an honor which neither they nor I ex- 
pected.” 

I have not come ' here for any such purpose,” 
replied Athole, haughtily, as he shook the long 
curls of his peruke, and kept his horse well in 
hand, while keenly eying every motion of Mac- 
24 


370 


THE ADVJ:NTURES of rob ROY. 


Gregor. I have come but to crave the pleasure 
of your company so far as the Tolbooth of Perth, 
where we shall settle some old scores at leisure.” 

Indeed ! ” said Rob, sternly. Had I received 
sufficient notice of your grace’s visit, we had met 
at the pass of Loch Ard, not at my own door, and 
I should have resorted to other means than tem- 
porizing. Within that chamber, duke, lies my 
mother in her coffin, — a woman old in years, yea, 
so old that she remembered the earliest days of 
Charles I., to whom your grandsire, Earl John of 
Athole, was a steadfast man and true ; so, should 
I die for it here upon the threshold, I shall neither 
yield nor go to Perth your prisoner; for now in 
death, as in life, my place shall be by my mother’s 
side ! ” 

Enough of this,” said Athole, coarsely ; the 
funeral may go on very well without you.” • 

Taken at vantage, however, Rob gradually per- 
ceived that he could gain nothing by resistance ; 
and, as the duke dismounted, and stood by^the 
bridle of his horse, he affected to comply with 
his wish. Then shrill scream-s and cries of lamenta- 
tion rose from the women of the tribe, great num- 
bers of whom had already assembled at Muirlag- 
gan; and within the doorway of the house were 
seen the dark and scowling faces of men, with 
the gleam of arms, as swords and skenes were 
drawn and muskets loaded ; for there Greumoch, 
Alaster Roy, and Rob’s sons. Coll, Duncan, Ha- 
mish, and Ronald, prepared, like brave youths, to 
defend or die beside him. 


THE iHNAL ATTEMPT OF ATHOLE. 371 

A babel of hoarse and guttural Gaelic tongues 
rang on all sides/and many of the duke’s yeomanry 
had unsheathed their swords and unslung their 
musketoons preparatory to carrying off the pris- 
oner. 

The voices of his sons, the lamentations of the 
women, thoughts of Helen with the babe at her 
breast, and his mother lying dead in her coffin, 
filled MacGregor’s soul with desperation. Thrust- 
ing aside by main strength of arm half a dozen of 
the troopers who had begirt him, he drew forth his 
claymore, and called upon them all to stand back 
— back, upon their lives ! 

On this, snatching a pistol from his holsters, 
Athole fired it full at the head of Rob, who at the 
same moment fell to the ground. He had only 
slipped a foot, but on seeing him fall a mingled 
yell pierced the welkin, and before the smoke had 
cleared away, the duke found himself in the grasp 
of a woman. 

This was a sister of Rob, who had married her 
cousin Glenfalloch. A strong and active woman, 
of a fiery and affectionate temper, on seeing her 
brother fall, she believed he was killed, and making 
a furious spring at Athole, clutched his throat with 
such energy that his grace was soon speechless. 
He reeled and staggered, while his followers, none 
of whom dared to use his pistol-butts or clinched 
hands to a lady, were unable to release him, till 
Rob seized his sister’s wrist, and rescued him. On 
this the lady fainted. 

This strange and unseemly scuffle fortunately 


372 


THE ADVENTUKES OF BOB ROY. 


caused some delay. For a time the duke was un- 
able to mount his horse ; and ere he did so, the 
mustering MacGregors, summoned by Greumoch, 
Paul, and the shrieking women, from farm and cla- . 
chan, came pouring in with brandished swords and 
axes in such numbers that Colonel Grahame, who 
was present, deeming discretion the better part of 
valor, seized the duke’s horse by the bridle, and 
gave the order to retire as fast as possible. 

Rob permitted Athole to do so unmolested; and 
now, for a time, the house of Muirlaggan, where 
the dead woman lay, presented that which was not 
uncommon then in the Highlands in cases of either 
sorrow or joy, — a scene of fearful wrath and 
noisy uproar. 

Had Athole come next day, he might have ex- 
perienced a warmer reception ; for when Glen- 
gyle came in, more than seven hundred armed 
men, with twenty pipers, attended the funeral, and 
thus the old lady was borne to her long home by. 
her four grandsons; for in the Highlands it was 
ever a boy’s pride, and one of the tests of man- 
hood, to be permitted to act as bearer of a coffin, 
perhaps for many miles over steep and rugged 
mountain-paths. 

On this occasion, Paul Crubach stumbled and fell 
on his face, as the funeral procession approached 
the church of Balquhidder, deisail-wise ; and then 
the old superstition was whispered, that he who 
stumbled at a burial was certain to be", the next 
whose coffin would be borne that way ; and this 


ROB ROY IN LONDON. 


373 


was fully realized when poor old Paul was found 
dead in bed next morning. 

The duke never again had an opportunity of 
molesting Ilob Poy^ as on the 14th November of 
this year his grace paid the debt of nature at his 
castle of Blair, in Athole. 


CHAPTEBLV. 

ROB ROY IN LONDON. 

From this time forward the life of the Red Mac- 
Gregor was passed in ease and contentment ; around 
-him his sons grew to manhood, brave, active, and 
hardy ; while the sons of those who had followed 
him to the battles of Sherilfmuir and Glensheil, to 
the storming of Inversnaid, the pass of Loch Ard, 
and to many a desperate conflict, became, under his 
eare and advice, thriving cattle-dealers and. indus- 
trious farmers. Yet neither he nor they were per- 
mitted entirely to let their swords rest, or forget 
the warlike lessons of their forefathers, for the 
battle of Culloden had not yet been fought, and in 
disposition and character the secluded Highland 
clans were little different from what their ancestors 
were when they routed the. Romans on the Gram- 
pians, and hemmed them within the wall of Agricola 
— as their songs have it, forcing the King of the 
World to retire beyond his gathered heaps^ 


374 


THE ADVENTURES OP ROB ROY. 


In 1727, George TI. was crowned, and six months 
after it was known in the Highlands that another 
stranger filled the Stuarts' throne,” and perhaps 
as many years elapsed before it was known in some 
of the Scottish isles, so dilatory was the transmis- 
sion of news in the last century. 

Even Montrose had now ceased to molest Rob 
Roy, who, in his prosperity, no longer drew his 
grace’s rents,” but, extending his possessions be- 
yond Balquhidder, leased some mountain-farms from 
the Duke of Argyle. Oil learning this, Montrose, 
in whose breast the old emotion of animosity still 
rankled, before the Lords of the Privy Council in 
London, accused his grace, who was the famous 
Field-Marshal John Duke of Argyle and Greenwich, 
of fostering and protecting an outlaw.” 

I do neither,” replied he, angrily ; I only sup- 
ply Rob Roy with the wood of the forest, the fish 
of the stream, the grass of the glen, and the deer 
of the hill — tho common heritage of all Highland- 
ers. But you have afforded him cattle, corn, and 
meal ; moreover, we are informed that he is your 
grace’s factor, and that on more than one occasion 
he has- collected your rents, especially at Chapel- 
erroch.” 

Montrose, who felt the taunt implied his own 
inability to defend himself, bit his lip in angry 
silence. 

About this time Rob would seem to have visited 
England. 

It is also said that he went so far south as London 
as a proUge of the Duke of Argyle, who was then 


ROB ROY IN LONDON. 


375 


in the zenith of his military and political influence. 
The story adds, that the duke requested Rob, in his 
full Highland dress and arms, to promenade for 
some time before St. Jameses Palace, where the 
attention of George II. was drawn to hiniL — his 
garb being somewhat unusual in such a locality, 
and more especially in those days. 

Some time after, when' Argyle attended a royal 
levee, the king observed that he, had lately seen 
a handsome Scots Highlander near the palace.’^ 

“ He was Robert MacGregor,” replied the duke ; 

the identical outlaw who has long kept the High- 
lands of Perthshire in a turmoil by his resistance 
and resentments.” 

At this reply the king was very much incensed ; 
but be the story as it may, there appeai’ed.in Lon- 
don, about this time, a pretended memoir of Rob, 
under the flattering title of The Highland Rogue. 

It is,” says the great novelist, a catch-penny pub- 
lication, bearing in front the effigy of a species of 
ogre, with a beard a foot long, and therein his 
actions are as much exaggerated as his personal 
appearance.” 

It was during his absence in the south that Helen 
MacGregor enacted the only bold and masculine 
part she is known to have played on the stage of 
real life. 

The proprietor of Achenriach, near the clachan 
of Campsie, having refused to pay his arrears of 
black-mail, Helen, as her two eldest sons were- 
absent, being lieutenants in the Highland Watch 
under Glune Dhu, mounted on horseback, with a 


376 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


pair of loaded pistols at her saddle-bow, aud 
attended by Grenmoch and twelve tall gillies fully 
armed, with targets oh their backs and long mus- 
kets sloped on their shoulders, crossed the Campsie 
Fells, and presenting herself at the gate of Achen- 
riach, demanded of the laird the tax which was due 
to her absent husband. 

He speedily came forth with the money, saying. 
Madam, I can refuse a lady nothing — neither 
would I have the ^hardihood to oppose youP 

In this district Fob’s nephew levied black-mail 
till within a little more than a hundred years ago. 


CHAPTER LVI 

THE DUELS WITH INVERNAHYLE AND ARDSHEIL. 

As time stole on and ripening age wrinkled the 
brow and whitened the beard of Rob Roy, he lived 
a quiet and inoffensive life. A change came grad- 
ually over him. Time with its mellowdng influences 
rendered him less fierce, less irritable, and in the 
events that marked the close of his career he 
showed less inclination to meet half-way those who 
would seek a quarrel with him. 

In the winter of 1727, while purchasing some 
cattle at the fair of Doune, he obtained among 
others a cow from a woman -who offered it for sale. 

On the following Sunday he happened to' attend 


THE DUELS WITH INVERNAHYLE AND ARDSHEIL. 377 


the parish church. The sermon of the minister 
was directed against the sin of covetousness, fraud, 
and roguery ; and his text was the Eighth Com- 
mandment. 

Emphatically and amply didJ:he divine expatiate 
upon his subject ; and with his eyes fixed resolutely 
on MacGrregor, threw out so many ofiensive hints, 
which were evidently meant for liirrij that Rob soon 
found himself the centre of observation; and his 
heart swelled with rage, while he could not but 
admire the daring of the man who thus bearded 
one who might have fired both church and ndanse 
about his ears. 

However, smothering his wrath, Rob wmited 
quietly until the sermon was over and the congre- 
gation had dispersed. He then repaired to the 
manse, and requested to see the minister, who met 
him with a calm and unflinching front. 

Reverend sir,^’ said he, “ I was present, as you 
no doubt perceived, at sermon this morning, and 
heard your discourse, every word of which I under- 
stood, but should like to know what you meant by 
it. I am an old man now, and have lived a bold 
and perilous life, but I shall thank you to point out 
a single instance of fraud or roguery that has dis- 
honored it. If you cannot, as you have made me 
a spectacle to your parishioners, by the souls of 
those who died in Glenfruin 1 I will compel you to 
retract your words in your own pulpit.’^ 

Unmoved by the stern bearing of Robj whose 
right hand clutched his dirk, the minister replied : 

“I own, MacG-regor, that I alluded to you.” 


378 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


Dioul, to me ! ’’ exclaimed Rob, furiously. 

“ To you. Did you not buy a cow from a poor 
widow at the fair of Doune — a cow at little more 
than half its value ? . 

“ Sir, I was ignorant that she was poor, that she 
was a widow, and considered her cow worth double 
what she asked for it ; but is my whole life to be 
slandered thus, and about a miserable cow ? 

Her family are starving — that cow was the 
last of her herd, for the others all died of disease.’’ 

If this be the case,” said Rob, I shall restore 
to her the cow with double the sum I paid for it ; 
here,” he added, laying the bank-notes on the table, 
“ I leave the money with your reverence. I shall 
do more ; she shall have eight cows, the best in 
my herd, and money to stock her farm aneAV, for 
never shall it be said that a widow appealed in vain 
to the sympathy of Rob Roy ! ” 

After this time he passed nearly seven years in 
perfect peace ; but in 1734 he became embroiled 
with a very powerful enemy, Stewart of Appin. 

The clan of MacLaren laid claim to the land of 
Invernentie in Balquhidder ; to this the MacGreg- 
ors also had a right, which they enforced b;f the 
blades of their swords, expelling therefrom Hamish 
MacLaren. A portion of Balquhidder was certainly 
the ancient patrimony of the Clan Laren, and their 
feud with the MacGregors was imbittered by the 
memory that the latter, in 1604, had slain forty-six 
of their householders, with all their wives and chil- 
dren, as the criminal record has it. 

In 1734 they appealed to Appin, chief of the 


THE DUELS WITH INVERXAHYLE AND ARDSHEIL. 379 


Stewarts, a powerful tribe, which could always 
muster from seven to eight hundred swordsmen. 
General Stewart, of Garth, so lately as 1821, reck- 
oned the fighting force of this name at four thou- 
sand men. 

The MacLarens assembled in great numbers ; 
Appin re-enforced them with four hundred chosen 
men, and together they marched into Balquhidder, 
where Rob Roy, with all his kindred, was in arms 
to oppose them. ^ 

The summer sun shone brightly on the gray walls 
of the old kirk of Balquhidder, shaded by its dark 
yew-trees, and its quaint old burial-ground studded 
with mossy head-stones, when close by it the hostile 
clans approached each other in two lines, each man 
with his round shield braced upon his left arm, and 
his sword brandished in his right hand. 

All the Stewarts had thistles in their bonnets; 
the MacLarens had laui’el leaves, and their war-cry, 
. Craig Tuirc ! Craig Tuirc ! ’’ was shouted fiercely 
by a hundred tongues, for they were eager to en- 
gage. 

Conspicuous in front of the MacGregors stood 
Rob Roy, in his waving tartans ; his once ruddy 
beard was now white with time, but *his strong form 
was erect as ever. Anxious to avoid bloodshed, 
when the adverse clans were about a hundred yards 
apart he stepped resolutely forward, sheathed his 
sword, and requested Stewart of Appin to meet 
him half-way. Stewart accordingly sheathed his 
weapon, and also stepped forward from his line. 

Appin,” said Rob, I am deeply grieved that 


380 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


those who bear the royal name should come as in- 
vaders into the land of Clan Alpine, whose race is 
also royal. Our forefathers were friends, and stood 
side by side in battle on the braes of Rannoch. 
The same inscription is on both our sword-blades 
— see,’’ he added, showing the favorite legend, usu- 
ally carved on all Scottish swords between 1707 
and 1746, — 

' “PROSFERITY TO SCOTLAND, AND NO UNION.” 

“ I have come but to right my kinsman Inver- 
nentie, and restore to him the lands of which your 
people have reft him,” replied Appin. 

Those lands were ours of old, Appin. But 
hearken ! we are all loyal men to the king, and it 
were a pity we should weaken our mutual strength 
by mortal conflict, so I shall consent that Hamish 
MacLaren hold the lands of Invernentie at an easy 
quit-rent.” 

To that will I agree blithely,” said Appin, who 
was a tall, brave, and handsome man, dressed in 
scarlet Stewart tartan, with a grass-green coat cov- 
ered with gold lace, and who had in his bonnet a 
white rose, with the three feathers of his rank. 

^^’Tis well — so there’s my thumb on’t,” said 
Bob, as they shook hands. “ But now,” he added, 

as we have here so many gallant men in arms, it 
will be a shameful .thing if we all separate ’thout a 
trial of skill ; so I here take the liberty of inviting 
any gentleman Stewart to exchange a few blows 
with me for the honor of our respective clans.’* ■ 


THE DUELS WITH INVERNAHYLE AND ARDSHEIL. 381 


On this, Appin’s brother-in-law, Alaster of Inver- 
nahyle, sprang forward, exclaiming, — 

I accept the challenge ! 

Good ; and we shall lower onr swords when 
the first blood is drawn/’ 

The pipers struck up on both sides, as the two 
cpmbatants engaged with claymore, dirk, and tar- 
get; but in a few minutes the red blood spirted 
from the sword-arm of Rob Roy, who immediately 
lowered his blade, and said, — 

I congratulate you, Alaster of Invernahyle, on 
being one of the very few who have drawn blood 
from the veins of Rob Roy.” 

“ Nay,” said Stewart, as he offered his handker- 
chief to bind up the wound, without the advan- 
tages which youth and its agility give me, I had 
come off with neither honor nor safety.” 

I thank you, MacGregor,” said Appin, ^Hhat 
yoffr brave blood has alone been shed here to-day. 
Farewell! — we go back to the braes of Appin. 
If I survive you, this hand shall lay the first stone 
of your cairn, and bid it speak to future times.”. 

To yon, Appin, thanks ! you must indeed sur- 
vive me. The Red MacGregor is red only in name 
now — his hair is white as the snows on Ben Lo- 
mond.” 

This was his last appearance in arms. 

Some time after this, in a trial of strength with 
Stewart of Ardsheil, finding his eyesight dim, his 
sword-arm weak, and that he was compelled to give 
ground, his cheek — a wrinkled cheek now — 
flushed red, with shame ; tears stood in his eyes, 


382 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


and he flung his old and faithful blade upon the 
heather. 

Never have I drawn thee without honor/’ he 
exclaimed ; but alas ! never shall I draw thee 
more ! ” 

Ardsheil, a generous and high-spirited gentleman, 
was deeply moved by the grief of the old Avarrior 
for his oAvn decay of strength. Picking up the 
claymore, and presenting the hilt to Rob Roy, he 
politely raised his bonnet, and said, — 

Shame on me, shame that I should have drawm 
on years and bravery such as yours I But give me 
your hand, MacGregor — your hand, and henceforth 
let us be friends.” 

Alas ! ” said Rob, sadly ; 1 am too old noAV to 

be your enemy ! ” 


CHAPTER LVII. 

THEXLOSING SCENE. 

The health and strength of Rob Roy decayed 
rapidly aftdl* this, and the winter of 1734, Avith its 
unusual severity, sorely affected his shattered form. 
Helpless as a child, he was confined to bed at last 
by extreme old age rather than illness, at his house 
of Inverlochluvig. 

On an evening towards the end of December he 
sunk rapidly. Helen, then an aged Avoman, was 


THE CLOSING SCENE. 383 

liis constant attendant, and he requested her to 
throw open the windows that he might take a last 
farewell of the snn, 'then setting in his ruddy 
splendor, and casting the purple shadows of Ben 
More far across the snow-clad braes of Balquhidder. 

In the clear, frosty atmosphere of the winter eve 
he could hear the cattle lowing in the fold, and the 
laughter of the children ringing merrily from the 
adjacent clachan, and both were music to the old 
man’s ear. 

Death is at hand, Helen — close — close ! ” said 
he, sadly, to his wife. I may at times have been 
harsh — sharp with you.” 

Oh, never ^ — never to me, Rob,” said she, 
sobbing heavily. 

If. ever so, forgive me ! ” 

“ Forgive you, my poor old Rob ! ” she exclaimed, 
and threw her arms around him. 

I have never asked forgiveness save from those 
I loved, and most of them have gone before us, 
Helen. The hands of my forefathers beckon me; 
I can see their dim forms amid the blue mist on the 
hill ! Has the sun set, Helen? ” 

No — why ? ” 

It is growing so dark — so very dark — open 
the window ! ” 

It is open,” said Helen, in a broken voice. 

Oh that I could but have again the sweet per- 
fume of the yellow broom and purple heather-bell, 
or hear the hum of the mountain-bee and the voice 
of the cushat-dove ! But who comes ? ” he added, 
as a step approached softly. 


384 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


’Twas old Alpine, who entered to say that Mac- 
Laren of Invernentie had called to inquire for him. 

Then there came over Rob Roy something of 
the same impulse which, according to the English 
legend, animated the brave freebooter Robin Hood, 
when he was propped up on his death-bed, to shoot 
a last clothyard shaft with his trusty yew. 

MacLaren ! ” he exclaimed, rallying all his fail- 
ing powers, while his sunken eyes flashed with 
light ; “ raise me up, Helen ! Coll ! Hamish ! Robin 
Oig ! bring me my bonnet and plaid, my pistols, 
dirk, and claymore, and then admit him ; for never 
shall it be said that a foeman saw Rob Roy defence- 
less and unarmed ! 

His commands were immediately obeyed. Mac- 
Laren entered, and paid his compliments by iriquir- 
ing after the health of his formidable neighbor, who 
maintained a cold and haughty civility during their 
brief conference. 

After MacLaren’s departure Rob still sat up in 
bed, with his plaid about him, and his sword in his 
hand, and he muttered scraps of Ossian with his 
prayers. 

The winds shall whistle in my gray hair and 
not awake me. The sons of future years shall pass 
away — another race shall rise, for the people are 
like the waves of ocean ; like the leaves of woody 
Morven, they pass away in the rustling blast, 
and other leaves lift their green heads on high.* 
Now, Helen — wife,’^ he added, all is over ! Strike 


* Berrathon. 


THE CLOSING SCENE. 


385 


up, Alpine, Ha til mi tulidh ! (We retui’n no 
more !) ’’ 

Old and blind almost, like Ids' dying leader,. 
Alpine, while the hot tears streamed over his 
withered cheeks, played that solemn dirge, and ere 
it was over Rob Roy had passed away, and Helen 
MacGregor and her five sons were on their knees 

around a breathless corpse 

He expired on the 28th of December, 1734, in 
about the eightieth year of his age, and his demise 
is recorded thus simply in the Caledonian Mercury. 
newspaper of 9th January following : — 

On Sunday se'nnight died at Balquhidder, in 
Perthshire, the famous Highland partisan, Rob 
Roy.^' ' ^ 


His funeral was the last in Perthshire at which a 
piper was employed, according to General Stewart. 

Helen did not survive him long. 

The future of their sons — that future which had 
: filled the soul of poor Rob Roy with .so many fears 
' and anxieties — was varied, and the fate of two was 
' dark and tragic. 

History tells us that Hamish commanded the 
MacGregors in the army of Prince Charles, and 
that he had his leg broken by a cannon-ball at the 
T] battle of Gladsmuir. He escaped from the Castle 
of Edinburgh with characteristic daring, and fled 
to France, where a free pardon was offered him if 
r! he would betray another fugitive, named Allan 
J Breac Stewart; but he declined, saying, — 


386 


THE ADVENTURES OF ROB ROY. 


“ I was born a Highland gentleman, and can never 
accept that which would make me the disgrace of 
my family and the scofi’ of my country.’^ 

Shortly afterwards he die'd of starvation in the 
streets of Paris, when George III. was king. 

In his thirteenth year Robin Oig shot MacLaren 
of Invernentie dead between the stilts of his plough, 
for insulting his mother ; and the gun with which 
he perpetrated this terrible act is now at Abbots- 
ford. He fled, became a soldier in the 42d Regi- 
ment, and fought gallantly at Fontenoy, where he 
was wounded and taken prisoner by the French ; 
but flve years after the battle, by an overstrained 
power of the ofiicers of the Crown, he died on the 
scafibld at Edinburgh. For the others, J must refer 
my readers to Burke^s Landed Gentry.’^ 

“ Happily, nowadays,” says a recent writer, “the 
Celt and the Sassenach — Scotsman and Englishman 
— fight side by side, under one standard. How the 
brave soldiers of the Highlands fight has been 
shown in many a glorious struggle, — at Talavera, 
Salamanca, and Waterloo ; nor will history forget 
the thin red line of Balaclava, or the shrill pibroch 
of Havelock^s small but gallant force, which came 
like home-music to the ears and hearts of those 
who defended Lucknow ! ” 


At the east end of the old church of Balquhid- 
der, within an enclosure formed by the foundations 
of the more ancient Catholic place of worship, lies 
the grave of Rob Roy. 


THE CLOSING SCENE. 


387 


It is covered by a rough stone of hard mica, on 
which a number of emblems are rudely sculptured. 
Among these the figure of a Highlander and a 
large broadsword can be distinctly traced. 

Under this stone, in February, 1754, were also 
interred the remains of his son, Eobin Oig. 

Such is the story of Eob Eoy the Outlaw. 


THE END. 

















I 










